Special Chapter 03: Continuation
Kiana’s Point Of View.
I WAS surprised when Uncle, Ezra’s Dad, contacted me the day before her birthday and wedding ceremony to be held. He wanted me to come over to their house tomorrow and pretend to be Ezra’s makeup artist.
“You knew I was her accomplice when she escaped, Uncle. Don’t you think I’d let her out and repeat the same thing again? You knew I’d side with her no matter what. But of all people, why are you taking me as her assistant at her wedding? Why are you entrusting her to me? Do you have a better plan in mind?” I asked him all those questions because I was in great perplexity, yet he didn’t answer any of them.
“We will handle everything, Kiana. You’ll also find out soon but for now, all you have to do is be by our daughter’s side. Don’t let Raiko get close to her,” he reminded me. “I’m aware of how important Ezra is to you. You’re her only best friend and I’m sure you won’t fail me. You’ll protect her, won’t you?”
I nodded. “Of course, Uncle. Ezra is a sister to me, she’s a family. I don’t want to see her living in vain.”
I agreed to the deal even though I was confused. I can’t help but get curious as to why Uncle doesn’t want Raiko to go anywhere near Ezra.
The last time I checked, they wanted him to marry their unica hija and they are forcing their daughter to go on with the arranged marriage. They were approved of Raiko to be their son-in-law back then. I wonder what makes them change their mind.
The next day, as planned, I headed to Ezra’s house first while the seven will follow. I entered her room and my eyes widened in shock when I caught her being strangled by Raiko. I immediately rushed to their direction and pulled her away from him.
I didn’t know why Raiko acted the way he did but through Ezra, I discovered about his illness. I threatened him and because of fear of being exposed, he immediately fled the scene.
Then, Ezra and I executed the plan to go out by jumping off from the window down to the ground when the four arrived and they helped us. We dashed to the front gate and the guards ran after us. We experienced a wholesome adventure.
We ran away for the second time and with the help of Ezra’s parents, we managed to escape and lost the guards who were chasing us.
We were catching our breath and laughing out of nowhere at the same time. The three went back and we all were having a good time. We celebrated and continued Ezra’s birthday.
I looked at the boys. They seemed to be having fun at the party. I scanned the house to look for Ezra because I was going to give her my gift. But my eyes caught a man in a black jacket from afar and looked at me seriously. I suddenly froze in my stance.
How did he get in here and find our spot?
I don’t remember any house built near or across the street. We don’t have neighbors here because the place we were in was hidden. The seven didn’t know him, neither Ezra nor me, that’s why I wonder how he got in. I was about to approach him but he suddenly left and ran.
“Hey! The man with the gray jacket!” I called him but he just kept coming out. “Wait!’
I didn’t know what went through my mind and I chased him outside. Because I feel like he has his intention and I don’t think it’s good.
When we got out of the gate of the house, he stopped and faced me. I looked at the car parked on the side. Then, I turned again to the blackened jacket man who was smirking at me. All of a sudden, my hair stood on end.
“Boss has found you,” he declared with a devilish smile.
Who’s Boss is he referring to?
Only then did I understand what he was mentioning when he pointed to the car on the side. The person inside lowered the window and it was enough for me to recognize who the man was. My eyes grew even bigger and recoiled in fear. He waved at me before they left.
I didn’t waste time because the clock was ticking and every second passed, I panicked. I ran in and carefully closed the gate. I didn’t go inside the bedroom on my own until I saw Ezra approach me.
“What’s the matter, Kiana?” she asked but I didn’t answer.
I was quivering and uneasy. I roamed my eyes around, cautious with the surroundings because maybe someone else was watching us. I feel nervousness and fear, not only for me but for Ezra and for the seven as well.
She motioned for us to enter the room which I immediately obeyed. Upon entering, she asked me again what the problem was. This time, I can also feel her restlessness.
“He already found us…”
***
Many events happened between us and one of them was Raiko’s death. I killed him but even though I was frightened, I didn’t regret shooting him to save Ezra’s life.
We moved to Xavier’s house and there, I met Aunt Xy, her mother. She’s accommodating and approachable. I thought she wouldn’t like me as her son’s girlfriend but I took it back. She liked me and even treated me and Ezra as her own daughter. She spoiled us and bought us everything even when we didn’t ask for any of it.
She’s a lovely person and she kept telling me she wanted me to become her daughter-in-law. I appreciated her kindness and I also wished she’d be my mother-in-law.
The day of my birthday, Aunt Xy threw a grand party and even invited her co-investors, co-businessmen, and other people she’s close to. I refused to celebrate with a huge crowd, but she said she must introduce me to everyone for people to find out I’m Xavier’s girlfriend.
When the party started, I was happily hanging out with Aunt Xy and the boys when Xavier suddenly stood up and went to the center. I noticed Auntie and Ezra smiled, looking excited about what would happen. I was astonished but I ignored their strange actions.
Two women passed in front of us. I was laughing at Axle and Jeremy who’s acting cute to get their attention. But my gaze fixated on Xavier who’s staring at me.
Oh, God! Why is he so handsome?
“I know how many times I said it, but I want to repeat it again,” he began. “Thank you for coming to my girlfriend’s special day.”
I winced and shivered. Emphasizing the word girlfriend, huh?
“I know you don’t want too many expenses and too many parties but I will apologize now, babe,” he added. My jaw dropped.
He called me babe.
“Because there’s more surprises coming tonight…”
The musicians played the instruments. I closed my eyes to the voice when Xavier, my babe, started singing.
I can feel every emotion Xavier puts into the song. His voice is wonderful and cool. I can listen to it every time. He lifted his head and the two of us met eyes. I can’t help but smile. Everyone applauded at the same time as he approached me.
He offered his hand and asked, “Can we dance, babe?”
I accepted it. “Sure!”
In the middle of the crowd, even though I was embarrassed I still gave in to Xavier.
We danced and danced. The people gave us silence and we could only hear the music and the beat of my heart pounding.
When it was over, Xavier didn’t let me go yet. He came even closer to me and looked straight into my eyes. The nervousness returned to my chest.
“I know it’s still early to say this, but I want to settle down now, Kiana. I want to be with you for a lifetime. I want a confirmation that we’ll be together until the end. I want to see you walking down the aisle. I want to make my own family with you. I love you so much, Kiana. Happy birthday, babe…” He knelt down and took out a little box. “Will you marry me?”
My jaw went slack. It’s close to dropping to the floor. I can’t believe this is happening. For a few minutes, I was stunned as he knelt down in front of me. I covered my mouth and nodded slowly.
“Y-Yes, I’ll marry you, Xavier Vergara! My babe,” I responded emotionally.
At the same time, he hugged me and everyone who watched us shouted. The cries and pleasures of the people and of our friends dominated my hearing today, as well as Auntie Xyra who looked proud and happy.
I turned to Ezra, she’s smiling at me while silently crying from a corner. I’m sure my best friend is happy for me. I smiled back at her with teary eyes. The party turned into a double celebration — my birthday and my engagement.
I’ll be Mrs. Vergara soon, and I can’t wait for that day to come. I’m so happy and I can’t explain it through words because it’s unexplainable.
Best birthday ever…
***
I was so excited and nervous about what would happen at my wedding. I haven’t told Mom about it yet so I took Xavier with me and we went to see my parents.
“Babe, are you okay?” Xavier asked.
I gasped. “I’m nervous.”
He smiled and held my hand tightly. He looked straight into my eyes so I couldn’t help but blush. It feels strange for Xavier Vergara to stare at me, especially if we’re both getting married.
It’s driving me insane!
“Don’t be nervous, babe. I know they will approve our relationship,” he eased me. I smiled at him and nodded. “How come you’re feeling more nervous than me? I was the one who you’re introducing to your family. I must be the one who’s shaking in fear.”
I giggled. He’s not trembling because he knows for sure, my parents will love him without trying to impress them.
The trip also took a few hours. I didn’t realize I slept in the car. When we got there as usual, the place was quiet again. Maybe Mommy and Daddy are busy with the company.
Xavier assisted me to get out of the car. Our personal maid immediately noticed we were heading towards the house. Her eyes widened slightly as she approached me.
“Oh, goodness! Kiana, is that you?”
Am I so beautiful that she doesn’t recognize me anymore?
I nodded. “Yes, Manang. It’s me.”
She pulled me for a hug then she turned to Xavier. Her smile widened even more.
“Who is this handsome man with you?”
“He’s my boyfriend — I mean, he’s my fiancé,” I introduced Xavier to her. He bowed down to greet her.
Manang was shocked as she turned to me. She thought maybe I wouldn’t have a boyfriend because I had no interest in men back then. Well, it sounds like a lie.
Of course, it’s a joke. Manang and I were too close. She, who I grew up with, is always with me at home because Mom and Dad don’t often go home. She also knows everything I do and like. She covers me up so they wouldn’t scold me. She always cooks for me. I assume I’m her child.
“Are Mom and Dad there, Manang?” I asked.
“Ah, yes. Come inside.”
When we went inside, I felt like everything had changed. It was as if I had just gone and entered my own home for the first time. It’s been a long while since I last came home. Time flies so fast.
I will admit I also missed my room, which was always messy. We went straight to the living room where Mom and Dad were and of course, they were busy again. Dad was reading the newspaper, while Mom was on the laptop.
I flashed a smile as I looked at them. I missed my parents. I haven’t been able to greet, call, approach, contact and visit them for a long time.
Mommy raised her head when she noticed our presence and her eyes widened as she stood up and stared at me in shock.
“K-Kiana, honey?”
I cried as I approached Mom and hugged her. I also looked at Daddy who was standing as well and smiling at me. I went to him and hugged him as well. Dad kissed me on the forehead over and over.
I couldn’t help but cry. I really missed being hugged by my parents. I feel like this is the first time we’ve been together.
I turned to Mommy who was smiling but also crying. She held me on both shoulders.
“How are you?” she asked. “Are you okay? Are you fine? Are you hurt? Are you—”
“I’m fine, Mom. Calm down.”
“I missed you, baby!”
She hugged me again. After parting from the hug, I turned to Xavier who was smiling at us. I clung onto his arm and presented him to Mom and Dad.
“Mom, Dad, this is Xavier. He’s my fiancé.”
They both literally dropped their jaws. I wanted to laugh but they might scold me, so I remained serious. Shocked and their eyes widened, they turned to look at me and Xavier. He bowed and greeted my parents.
“Nice to finally meet you, ma’am, sir.”
“K-Kiana?” Mommy uttered in shock.
“He proposed to me last month, Mom. I love him so much so I said yes. We're here to let you know.” I let out a breath then smiled. “We’re getting married next month.”
They reacted even more with the last words I said. Mom sat on the sofa while Dad let go of the newspaper he was holding.
“Oh my God!” Mom exclaimed.
I approached her and stroked her back when I saw she was crying. I was stiffened when she stared at me for a second and touched my face.
“I’m so happy for you, my daughter!”
I was nervous there. I thought Mommy would object. I forgot that Mommy is just like me. We tend to overreact and be loud.
“How fascinating! I can’t believe my baby is now a lady! Uh, no – you’re now a beautiful independent woman,” she added. “I remember before, I taught you how to read the alphabet, then you went to me to ask for a balloon, then you wore your panties on your head—”
I immediately covered Mom’s mouth and rubbed my forehead in embarrassment.
What the hell, Mom?
I turned to Xavier who was laughing beside me. I glared at him and scowled. Mommy is so talkative!
“What?” Mom chuckled.
We talked for the entire hour and I shared how we met. Then, Mom talked to Xavier first. I approached Dad who was looking at me seriously.
“D-Dad…”
“I’m happy for you, too, my princess.”
I smiled at him and wrapped my arms around his big tummy. I didn’t expect him to suddenly speak. I thought he would get angry because I didn’t let them know right away.
“We approve and give you the blessing.” My eyes widened and I was surprised by Dad’s answer. “I saw how happy you are and how your eyes shine while you’re saying that you’re engaged. I can’t bear to see the smile disappear from your lips, honey. Your Mommy and I will not miss witnessing the wedding of our only princess.”
I burst into tears and tightened our hug. I was so excited and super happy. I thought my birthday and Xavier’s engagement party was the happiest day and I will never forget it, but not only those moments, for me I am the happiest today. Because my parents agreed to my wedding and they will come. I didn’t expect it from them because they always focus on work and the company.
There are not enough words to describe how happy my heart is now.
***
We prepared for the wedding but it didn’t go well. Raiko attacked us and abducted me on the same day. Another war occured and blood shed everywhere.
Unfortunately, Ezra’s Mom died. I couldn’t do anything for her and I feel helpless. I wanted to be by her side but she didn’t want anyone. She preferred to be alone so I let her be until she’s ready to talk.
At the funeral, she approached me and apologized for the words she said and the way she acted. I didn’t say anything, instead I hugged her. She doesn’t need to explain because I understand her. She lost her loved one and it’s normal for her to not be on her own senses.
At last, Xavier and I ended up marrying each other again and continuing the delayed wedding. We assured that no one is going to hinder our happiness anymore because Raiko is in jail now and I know Hyde won’t let him go out nor escape.
We were blessed to have a son and we named him Kiro. If love were music, it would be him and his father. Xavier is the best husband and he proved to me he loves me all the time.
After everything, after every mistake, after every tear, after every blood, we reached the ending we’ve been aiming for. Happy endings come after a story with lots of ups and downs.
We’re done closing circles, shutting doors, and finishing chapters; now is the time to go on.
Our story may have many endings, but of course, not all ends are a bad thing, some are never-ending. Because I believe every new adventure begins with the ending of another.
Here’s to the new beginnings. We’re bound to be strong through time. We have seen and felt much in life so far, but the best is yet to come. The next journey will be a tough one.