Kabanata 1
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Kabanata 1
"Come back here before I—"
"Opo! Opo!" I gasped. "Bibili lang akong Strawberry taho and—"
"Go home, Crest Veronica! Now!" his voice thundered and I bit my lower lip and nodded, hinahawi pa ang buhok.
"Oh, owkie..." I said in a small voice. "Pero Dad—"
"Uuwi ka o ipapasundo kita sa kakambal mo?" mariing sabi niya kaya napailing-iling.
"I-I can go home! Uh, ito na, uuwi na..." I said and sighed. "Dad, sorry! Don't be mad! Love you!" I said and before he could even talk, pinatay ko na ang tawag.
Patay kang bata ka...
I sighed again, nagsisimula ng isipin paanong lambing ang dapat gawin kay Dad para 'di ako pagalitan pero suminghap ako sa gulat nang may narinig.
"Crest!" I heard the loud thump on the car's roof, nang lumingon ako ay nakita kong masama ang tingin si akin ng gagong Matthew.
"What?" I asked.
"Come here! You!" he hissed and I almost screamed in frustration but I composed myself and stayed calm. "Crest!" muling sigaw niya kaya nagmartsa na ako palapit.
I saw the man with gray eyes glanced at me, his eyes are cold, no reaction at all. May kausap siya sa telepono pero nakatingin sa akin. I was quite nervous of his stares yet I managed to give him a smile.
"What's the matter—"
"This is your fault!" nagulat ako nang bigla akong haltakin ni Matthew.
"What the hell are you doing?!" I exclaimed and pulled my hand from him pero muli niya akong hinila.
"Kung hindi ka—"
"Let go of the woman, Sir." The gray-eyed man said, stopping the both of us.
I was about to thank him pero mas hinigpitan ni Matthew ang hawak niya sa akin.
"H'wag mo kaming pakialaman, she's my girlfriend. Problemahin mo 'yang speed limit—"
"I don't tolerate that kind of behavior, Sir." He said, lowering his phone from his ears.
"What behavior?" Matthew asked him at hindi pa rin ako pinapakawalan. "I am just disciplining her—"
"That is clearly a harassment, Sir." He said and glanced at me, "are you hurt, Miss?"
"Yes," I said straightly and tried pulling my hand again from him. "Let me the fuck go!" I exclaimed.
"No! Because of you—"
Natigilan si Matthew nang i-angat ko ang kabilang kamay para sampalin siya. He froze, his eyes widened at me.
"What the fuck, woman?!" he exclaimed, nabitawan na ako para hawakan ang pisngi. "Look, officer! It was clear! She hurt me—"
"You harassed her. Stop blaming the victim, Sir." Kumunot ang noo niya kay Matthew. "That was self-defense for me."
His mouth parted, "how dare you—"
"Want me to add harassment to your speed limit violation, Sir?" malamig at mariing sabi ni Kuyang gray-eyes. "You are asked to go to the police station, Sir. Please cooperate."
Matthew looks annoyed and I saw how he puffed a breath and glanced at me with his piercing eyes.
"Damn you, Crest." He hissed.
"Oh? You stupid gago." I smiled sarcastically at him and when I saw the police officer not looking, I lifted my hand and showed Matthew my middle finger.
"You bitch..." his forehead creased at me. "My mother's around here, I will tell her what you did." He even threatened pero 'di man lang ako natakot.
"Oh? Wawa ka naman. Sumbong ka kay Mommy?" I mocked and he fisted his hand.
"You—"
"That's enough." Sabat bigla no'ng gwapong lalaki kaya natigilan na kaming dalawa. "You will have to go to the station, Sir. That's only a five-minute drive from here."
"Alright," Matthew heaved a deep breath. "I will call my mother, Crest, sumama ka—"
"And why would I?" I asked coldly at him. "I never forced you to come here! You offered! Isa pa, hindi kita sinabihang bilisan!"
"Kasama kita rito!" he told me. "Now, get in the car to get this done!"
I was annoyed and terrified at his face, I thought he's different! I never hang-out with boys eversince! Pulos mga babae ang mga naging kaibigan ko and when I met him, I think he's something new because he's good at me pero grabe pala ang ugali!
"If I don't?" I crossed my arms at him.
"Get inside! Dahil sa taho mo kaya tayo nandito!" he hissed at me.
"Ma'am, your statement might be needed too." The man told me kaya suminghap na ako.
Damn it, I just came here because I want Strawberry taho and now, I'm here?!
"Get inside, Crest!" muling hinuli ni Matthew ang braso ko kaya napaatras na ako.
"No way!" I exclaimed, iritado na sa kanya. "Why would I ride with you?"
"You can ride inside my car, Miss." The man offered formally kaya napanguso ako.
I glanced at his face and observed him a bit, he's handsome, tall and clean. Mukha namang mapagkakatiwalaan. Pinakiramdaman ko naman siya at nakita kong napansin niya iyon kaya tumikhim siya at may kinuha sa bulsa.
"I'm a police officer," aniya at pinakita sa akin ang badge. "Here's my ID, you can take a photo for your reference and you can send it to your family members too, Ma'am, if in any case something happened to you while you're with me."
It looks promising kaya unti-unti akong nagkaroon ng tiwala, I took the ID he's showing me and saw his name in it.
Lorcan Keith Dmitrov.
Hmm, good name.
I took my phone, pinakita ko sa kanyang kinukuhan ko ng litrato ang ID niya bago binalik at matamis na ngumiti.
"Thanks, Sir." I smiled at him.
He nodded, licking his lower lip and shifted his gaze from me to the annoyed Matthew.
"Mauuna kami ni Ma'am sa presinto, Sir. I hope you could follow us peacefully." He said formally and Matthew, kahit na iritado ay tumango pa at sinamaan ako ng tingin.
I smiled at him sarcastically, flipped my hair and walked para pumunta sa sasakyan no'ng pulis na humabol sa amin.
It was a simple black car I saw pero may wang-wang sa itaas, maybe this is use for cases like this. I shrugged it off and heard the car made a sound, sumulyap ako kay Kuya gwapo sa likod ko na naglalakad.
"Pasok kayo, Ma'am." Aniya kaya ngumiti ako at tumango bago pumasok ng sasakyan.
When I got inside, the manly perfume reached my nose, making me smile. The car looks pretty neat and fresh too, I liked the smell.
I was calm, panatag pa habang nasa loob ng sasakyan, nang pumasok siya ay walang kaba ang naramdaman ko dahil sa kabutihan niyang ipinakita. Him, showing me his badge and ID, letting me take a picture of it to send to my relatives is enough assurance for me that he's a good person.
Matthew just reminded me why I don't trust men again, except my family. Akala ko ay maayos si Matthew dahil hindi naman siya bastos kapag nagkakausap kami but now? Yuck. He's disgusting. Blaming me for his fault? Fuck him.
"Seatbelts, Ma'am." The police told me and I glanced at him and nodded, nang maayos ko ang seatbelts ay 'tsaka niya pinaandar ang sasakyan at nagmaneho.
He's quiet the whole ride, malamig siya at seryoso pero hindi ko maipagkakailang komportable ako roon.
I admired what he did, showing me his ID for assurance and all. Kahit naman kasi gwapo ang isang tao, hindi ka basta-basta na lang magtitiwala.
My father said, trust no one. Miski alagad pa ng batas 'yan. I remembered him telling me those in position have the highest chance at lakas ng loob na mang-abuso. He told me, those in position often get blinded with their power that they forgot their duty and their promise of peace to the people and country.
May mga tao kasing nilalamon ng estado sa buhay at kapangyarihan na sa huli ay tingin nilang mataas sila at inaabuso ang ibinigay sa kanilang tungkulin.
"So...pulis ka?" I asked after a minute of silence.
Hindi siya nagsalita noong una pero marahang tumango rin pagkaraan sa akin.
"Yes, Ma'am." He told me formally using that baritone voice of his.
"Hmm..." I hummed. "Pasensya na sa nakita mo kanina, ah? Ano kasi, nagkatuwaan lang and I didn't force him to go here. Siya nga ang nag-offer sa akin. And he's not my boyfriend, it's not like I'm a bad influence or something..."
He nodded, walang komento sa sinabi ko at medyo awkward.
"So...ano, duty ka rito sa Baguio?" I asked after a while and he shook his head at me, I saw his jaw clenched a bit when the stoplight came.
"No, Ma'am."
"Oh, then why did you stop us?" I asked curiously. "It's not that it's wrong! I was just...you know? Curious?"
"I'm off duty but I think it's my responsibility to stop vehicles like that. Mahirap na at baka magkaaksidente pa. I called the precinct here and reported it, they asked me to talk to you two and asked you to come for a quick interview."
Wow, responsible! Dagdagan natin ang pangmalakasang check!
"Saang...office ka?" I asked and he glanced at me a bit, I saw his gray eyes looked so seductive and beautiful. Sa unang titig ay hindi mo talaga aakalaing abo ang kulay niya!
"Manila." Malamig niyang sabi kaya napahawak ako sa braso ko.
"Grabe, ang lamig!" I exclaimed and his forehead creased at me. "Sa Baguio, grabe lamig dito sa Baguio, ano?" I smiled at him and he nodded, nakita kong inabot niya ang aircon at hininaan.
"How 'bout that?" he asked and I pouted, literal naman mag-isip 'to pero keri na! Gentleman naman!
"Ayos na..." I smiled. "Shelemet..."
Muli niya akong nilingon at nanlaki ang mata ko nang matanto ko ang pagkakapilipit ng dila ko kaya napahawak ako sa panga ko.
"U-uh...g-grabe 'yong lamig 'no? Nakakangatal!" I faked a shiver to show him na sa lamig lang kaya pumipilipit ang dila ko at napatango siya pagkaraan, halatang nagtataka pa rin at bumaling sa daan.
Para wala ng masabing kahiya-hiya ay tumahimik na lang ako, I checked my phone, saw the text messages from my twin and Dad and I was quite nervous now.
Paano akong uuwi ng ganito kaagad? May statement pang kailangan sa presinto!
I sighed and shook my head when we reached the precinct. Kaagad na lumabas pagkaparada si gwapo at lalabas na rin sana ako pero mabilis niya akong pinagbuksan.
"Thanks," I said and gave him a smile pero isang tango lang ang ginawa niyang sagot bago bumaling sa kung saan.
"Lieutenant!" I heard a voice from somewhere kaya napalingon ako at nakita ang mga lalaking nakauniporme na sumaludo sa kanya.
I saw him saluted back and nodded.
Wow! He's a Police Lieutenant?
"My Mom's on her way, malapit na. Saan p'wedeng mag-usap para matapos na 'to?" biglang lumitaw si Matthew kung saan kaya ngumiwi ako at bahagyang napalayo kay Lieutenant gwapings.
"SPO2, pakihatid si Sir sa loob." I heard Lieutenant Gwapings said and they nodded, called Matthew's attention na sumimangot pa sa akin bago sumunod.
"This way, Ma'am." I heard him said kaya ngumiti ako ulit at tumango.
Ang gwapo talaga!
"Alright." I said softly, tila dalagang mahinhin at sumabay sa paglalakad niya.
When we got inside the police station, it was a bit small but okay. Nakita kong pinaupo na kaagad si Matthew sa tapat ng isang pulis na kinakausap na siya.
"Oh, Locket! Hijo, napadaan ka?" napalingon ako nang may magsalita at nakita ko ang pagsaludo ni Lieutenant at tumango.
"I requested for some files, Colonel. May nakitang violator sa speed limit kaya isinama ko na." He said and the man nodded at him and smiled.
"Alright, sige. Kunin mo na ang files doon nang makauwi na kayo ng girlfriend mo." Baling sa akin ng lalaki kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Ay, naku po—"
"No, Colonel." He smirked a bit, "I have no girlfriend."
"Oh? Akala ko...hanggang ngayon?" tumawa ang lalaki at tumango lang si Lieutenant napailing.
"Not again. Anyway, I gotta go, Colonel." Aniya at nagpaalam paalis.
I saw some young looking police looking at me, I saw some curious and some throwing some creepy stares and smiles, making me feel uncomfortable.
"Here, Miss." Lieutenant called, showing me a piece of plastic chair near Matthew pero sa ibang lamesa.
"Thanks, I am not needed?" I asked, glancing at Matthew na mukhang naghihisterikal na roon sa isang pulis.
"I will tell my mother this!" He exclaimed.
What a stupid fool. Talagang nagwawala?
"I'll call you if your statement's needed. For the meantime, you can sit here first. I'm just gonna get some files first, Ma'am." Aniyang pormal kauya napanguso ako at tumango.
He left and I stayed seated in there, observing the small place. I saw some creepy looking people watching me, hindi ko na sana papansinin pero ngumisi pa ang isang pulis sa akin at kumindat.
What the hell?
Tumikhim ako at napaayos ng upo, marahang ibinaba ko ang dress na umaangat sa pagkakaupo ko. Para 'di ko na siya matignan ay bumaling ako sa daliri ko at tinitigan ang mga glitters sa cutics ko.
Maybe I'll change the color? I don't like pink anymore. Maybe I'll buy nude colored cutics online later.
"Hi, ganda. Anong kaso mo?" I froze when I heard a man's voice, nagitla ako nang nasa harapan ko na siya, hinihili ang isang plastic na upuan para makipag-usap sa akin.
I cleared my throat when I saw him sat in front of me, his eyes went down on my legs kaya pasimple kong hinila pa pababa ang dress.
"Ganda," he called again and I don't wanna be rude kaya ngumiti ako ng maliit.
"Wala naman po." I said calmly and he nodded, binasa niya ang labi at muling sumulyap sa hita ko.
"Oh, bakasyunista ka ba? Naliligaw? Saan ba gusto mong pumunta nang maihatid kita?" he smiled and it made me more uncomfortable. That smile reminded me how men can be a disgusting pig.
Hindi na ako nakasagot sa gulat nang may nagbagsak ng mga folder sa gilid ng lamesa. I lifted my face and found the Lieutenant's cold gray eyes looking at me.
"O-oh, Lieutenant!" the creepy man stood and saluted.
"What are you doing?" I heard him asked the man and the creepy one shook his head, confused.
"Po? Wala naman, Lieutenant. May...problema ba?" he smiled as if he didn't give me that creepy smiles earlier.
"I saw what you did, SPO2." Lieutenant said coldly and I saw how his jaw clenched. "One more warning and I won't hesitate asking Colonel to give you a notice."
"S-sorry..." I saw paano siya namutla at bumaling pa sa akin at bahagyang tumango. "P-pasensya na, Miss, Lieutenant." Aniya bago tumikhim at umalis, napapahawak pa sa batok.
I saw Lieutenant eyes followed the other policeman, that gave me the time to check him out and bit my lip when I realized he looked good even in just a simple black shirt and pants.
"Your statement will be needed after a while," aniya kaya napakurap-kurap ako at tumango, kinagat pa ang labi.
I saw him removed his jacket, I saw how his broad shoulders got exposed. Natanto kong may ginto siyang kwintas na walang pendant at kaagad na inabot niya sa akin ang hinubad na jacket.
"You're cold, right?" he asked after a while kaya napakurap ako.
"Huh?"
"You're cold..." aniya at nang hindi ako nakasagot sa kakatitig ko sa mukha niya ay siya na ang nagpatong ng jacket sa hita ko. "Cover your legs, assholes are staring."
Napasinghap ako at napatango, inayos ko ang jacket niya sa hita ko at napasulyap sa harapan. I saw how some policemen looked away and I sighed.
"I'll fire everyone here if this was my station," biglang sabi niya na naupo sa harapan ko na pinag-alisan ng lalaki kanina kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"Hmm?" I asked and he glanced at me briefly and took the folder.
"Nothing..." aniya at umiling sa akin kaya natahimik ako at tumango.
He's handsome and interesting. Really.
Gusto kong magdaldal pero hindi ko magawa dahil napapansin ko talaga ang tingin ng mga lalaki sa istasyon, it's making me really uncomfortable.
"Lieutenant, statement daw po ni Miss." Ani ng lumapit na pulis kaya napasulyap kami roon.
The Lieutenant glanced at me and nodded, isinara niya ang folder at bumaling sa akin.
"Let's go." He said and helped me up, inabot ko sa kanya pabalik ang jacket pero marahang tinulak niya iyon pabalik sa akin. "Keep it and cover your legs."
Inihatid niya ako roon, I saw how he stood just a few inches from me and watched us silently, nakasandal lang doon at may kausap sa telepono.
I wasn't that shock when a few moments later, dumating na ang Mommy ni Matthew. With her hair in a tight updo, dress and pearls, she's hysterical.
"Kasalanan mo ito! If only my Matthew didn't come here with you—"
"Ma'am, with all due respect, I didn't force your son here. He offered—"
"Stop lying! You spoiled brat! Sino ka ba para sagutin ako, huh? I'm from a prestigious family! Kailanman ay walang record ang anak ko sa presinto tapos ikaw—"
"Don't give me that prestigious family shit, Ma'am. I respect you dahil mas nakakatanda kayo sa akin pero may kasalanan ang anak niyo." I pointed out and glanced at the annoying Matthew, acting like a baby. Kulang na lang ay magtago sa saya ng Nanay niya!
Tarantadong asshole!
"I don't care kung walang record si Matthew sa ganito, I just want to clear my side and tell everyone na hindi ko siya pinilit. And please, stop tolerating your son acting like an asshole—"
"My baby is not an asshole!" she said, horrified. "Sinong matutuwa na makukulong ang anak ko, huh? Wala!"
"Uh, Ma'am...hindi naman po makukulong." Biglang putol ng pulis sa paamba niyang paghihisterikal at pag-iyak.
"W-what?" I saw her froze.
"Ti-ticketan lang po," he said and flashed an awkward smile, stopping her.
"R-really?" nakita kong natahimik siya at tumikhim, siniko pa si Matthew na nagpupunas ng luha.
"Opo." Ani nito pero naka-recover kaagad ang Mommy niya at suminghap, umirap sa akin.
"But hindi kita papalagpasin, Miss-whoever-you-are." Aniya sa aking maldita pa. "I'll sue you for forcing my son her and slapping him! Looked at his cheek!"
I can actually go maldita around her too pero may respeto naman ako kahit alam kong hindi para sa kanya.
"You'll sue me, Ma'am?" I asked her coldly and she raised her brow at me and smirked.
"Yes! I knew a lawyer who can help my son! Kilala mo si Atty. Melo Alejez? He's my cousin and he can sue you!" panakot pa niya pero halos matawa lang ako roon pero kinalma ko ang sarili at kinuha ang maliit kong bag para sa wallet ko.
I took two calling cards and gave it to her.
"Got it, Ma'am. Just send me a notice, from here, you can talk to my lawyers. Pili lang po kayo." I said softly, giving her the calling cards with Atty. Iñigo at Atty. Alchiel's name in it before flashing a smile.
I saw her glanced at the calling card, nakita ko kung paano siya natigilan doon at nanlaki ang mata sa akin.
"H-hija, baka naman p'wede na lang nating pag-usapan..." biglang sabi niya sa akin kaya ngumiti ako at tumango.
"Oh, sure, Ma'am. You can talk to my lawyers po." I said kindly, nodded my head and then turned my back on them.
She called me pero hindi na ako lumingon, seryoso at kalmado pa akong naglalakad doon pero sa loob-loob ko ay halos sumigaw na ako sa frustration.
I only asked for a strawberry freaking taho!
I was marching on my way out, may nakita akong convenient store nearby kaya tumawid ako to buy a bottle of water to calm myself down! I spent at least five minutes looking for a sparkling water from there pero wala kaya 'yong nakita ko na lang na water, I've been thinking din paano ako makakauwi nito.
Hindi ko kabisado ang Baguio. I may be a Dora explorer at times pero hindi naman lahat ng lugar ay kabisado ko kaya I am worried now!
Will I call Chiel na?
My phone's bombarded from texts from him and my father, may kaunting message si Mom. Telling me to go home na and I am panicking now.
Pero...gusto ko rin ng taho! It's early pa naman, mayro'n pa naman siguro sa mga shop 'no?
The door from the store made a sound, natigilan ako at nanlaki ang mata nang makasalubong ang Lieutenant na mukhang 'di naman nagulat nang makita ako.
Bigla akong nagkapag-asa roon, I smiled at him and he nodded, avoiding my gaze bago naglakad para kumuha ng tubig.
I decided to follow him, yakap-yakap ko ang ang bote ng tubig nang tumayo ako sa tabi niya.
"Hi!" I said in a high-pitched voice, almost making him jump.
Kunot ang noo niya nang lingunin ako at nakagat ko ang labi ko roon. "Uh...sorry, did I...scare you?" I showed him a cute smile.
Wala man lang siyang reaksyon, parang naka-program ata ang gwapo niyang mukha na malamig lang dapat kaya mas ginandahan ko ang ngiti.
"Uh...pauwi ka na bang Manila?" I asked him kindly and I saw him nodded, umayos ng tayo pagkakuha ng tubig at naglakad kaya sumunod ako sa kanya.
Inunahan ko siya sa pagpila, wala naman siyang reklamo at hinayaan ako kaya nagsalita ako ulit.
"In...any case, can I ride you?" I asked straightforwardly and I saw him froze and glanced at me.
"What?" he asked at mukhang may mali ata akong nasabi kaya umiling-iling ako at nagsalita.
"I-I mean, ride with you!" I emphasized. "Ano...kasi pauwi na akong Manila, 'di ko kasi alam paanong pauwi galing dito so..."
"You don't even know me, Miss." Aniyang seryoso kaya napanguso ako at tumango.
"O-oo nga pero mabait ka naman, right? 'Tsaka ano...I think you're a good man, I can feel it. 'Tsaka I have your ID picture! Sinend ko na sa family ko kaya kapag na-deds ako ngayon, Lord, h'wag naman sana, ikaw ang main suspect." I said.
His brow raised at me, nakita ko ang pagtaas ng sulok ng labi niya roon bago nailing at tinuro ang counter.
"Ikaw na." Aniya pero hindi ako umikot.
"So...payag ka?" I asked and he stared at me briefly, his gray eyes watched me as he sighed.
"Do I have a choice?" he said, making me giggle.
"Thanks, Lieutenant! You're the best!" I said happily and walked to the cashier to give her my bottled water.
I saw the lady glanced behind me before smiling like she's kinikilig bago inayos ang bottled water ko. Can't blame her, tho, super gwapo ni Lieutenant, gentleman pa!
"Eighteen pesos po, Ma'am." Aniya sa akin kaya napatango ako at nagulat pa.
"Wow, that's super mura." I whispered to myself and smiled, opening my purse and saw one thousand. "Here, Miss." I said and gave it to her.
"Ay, Ma'am. Baka po may barya kayo riyan? Wala po kasing panukli sa isang libo." Aniya kaya ngumuso ako at sumulyap sa wallet ko.
I saw one thousands lang at walang mga coins, tanging cards lang din kaya mas humaba ang nguso ko.
"How about card po? Are you accepting?" I asked.
"Ay, sorry po, wala, eh. Cash lang." Aniya kaya suminghap ako at napatango.
"Hala, sorry. Paano 'yan, I have no barya." I told her and pouted. "Pasensya na, Miss, I guess I won't buy na lang—"
"Two bottled waters," biglang may naglagay ng bote ng tubig sa harapan ko, I shifted my gaze and saw Lieutenant beside me now, may inilalahad na one hundred pesos.
"Dalawa, Sir?" I saw how the girl's eyes brightened when he saw him.
"Yes, mine and hers." He said coldly at nakita kong ngumisi ang babae at tumango-tangong inayos ang mga bottled waters, namumula pa sa hiya.
I was extra happy when we got out, Baguio's a cold place but I felt warm while I'm with the Police Lieutenant, he wasn't speaking at all. He's quiet lang pero he didn't look scary or uncomfortable kaya panatag ako.
I rode his car and thought of something kaya nilingon ko siya.
"Hello, Lieutenant. Can I ask you a favor?" I asked when he got inside and glanced at me. "Please?"
"What?" he asked and I bit my lower lip and spoke.
"I went here in Baguio for Strawberry taho and sayang naman so, can we go to a shop here or something, please?" I asked and he didn't answer me at first, sumulyap pa siya sa orasan niya kaya mas ngumuso na ako. "Pretty please? I promise hindi matagal, saglit lang."
He glanced at me, his cold gray eyes are unreadable as he nodded at me.
"Well, can I do anything?" he muttered, almost talking to himself, making me laugh.
"Hmm! Thank you!" I smiled happily, almost dancing in happiness.
Ilang ikot lang sa mga streets sa Baguio ay nakakita na kami ng mga nagtitinda ng Strawberry taho. I started feeling hungry, almost salivating when I hopped out of his car, fixing my round glasses and walked towards the vendors.
I felt him following me, halos magliwanag ang mata ko nang maamoy ang mabangong strawberry scent. I removed my sunglasses, almost ran to the vendor and asked for a cup of taho.
"Ilan, Miss Ganda?" the old man smiled at me and I glanced at Lieutenant Gwapings behind me and saw him watching me silently, nakalagay ang isang kamay sa bulsa ng jeans at seryoso.
"You like taho too?" I asked and he shook his head at me.
"No thanks," he said and I nodded. "Doon muna ako." He pointed the bench kaya tumango ako at hinayaan siya, bumaling ako kay Manong at ngumiti.
"Kuya, three cups po." I said and he nodded at me and smiled.
Hindi niya muna ako pinagbayad, sabi niya'y balikan ko na lang siya pagkatapos ko kumain kaya bitbit ang tatlong cup ay tumabi ako kay Lieutenant na tahimik na nakaupo lang sa bench, nakatingin sa langit.
"Done?" he asked after a while and glanced at me. "I said I'm fine, I'm not into sweet foods." He said kaya napakurap ako at hindi natuloy ang pagsimsim sa taho.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"I said, hindi mo sana ako binilhan." Aniya kaya napakurap ako.
"Ay, hindi." I shook my head. "Hindi kita binilhan."
"Huh? But why..." he looked at the three cups and I gasped and nodded.
"Ah, sa'kin 'yan lahat." I smiled at him and I saw how his eyes widen. "Gulat ka 'no?"
Hindi na siya umimik at napailing na lang sa akin kaya ngumuso ako at nang matikman ang Strawberry taho ay halos mapatili.
Sulit ang punta sa Baguio!
I was ecstatic and excited, hindi naman sa super hilig ko talaga ang taho but to think na nakatikim ako ng new flavors? Nakaka-excite! I found out na marami pa palang available flavors here!
"Sixty pesos lang, hija." Ani Kuya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko roon.
"Wow, ang mura." I exclaimed in amazement, earning a laugh from the vendor.
"Ganyan talaga, hija, mura at masarap. Ikot ka at may mga flavor pa sa iba." Aniya kaya ngumisi ako at tumango, I took one thousand peso from the wallet and gave it to him.
"Ay, hija, baka may barya ka? Wala kasi akong panukli." Aniya kaya ngumiti ako at umiling sa kanya.
"Hindi na po, Kuya. Keep niyo na lang po 'yong sukli para maaga rin kayo makauwi." I smiled at him and showed him a thumbs-up. "Masarap po 'yong taho!"
I saw the mix of happiness on his eyes while he's saying his thank you to me. Saglit pa kaming nag-usap bago ko hinila si Lieutenant na nailing sa akin.
"May barya ako, you could've asked me—"
"Tss, tara! Check tayo ng ibang flavor! Uuwian ko family ko!" I exclaimed happily and he sighed and followed me anyway, walang-imik na.
I was thrilled seeing amazing flavors ng taho, bukod pa sa mga cup ay mayroon din silang tumbler edition! 'Yong may taho sa container na p'wedeng-pwede gawing pasalubong kaya malaki lang ang ngisi ko.
Lieutenant is looking at me like I'm a skeptic person while I'm pointing every flavors of taho I'd like to take home and try.
"Ma'am, cash lang sana. Baka meron kayo?" the lady asked me kaya ngumuso ako. I have a total of three thousand plus na na-purchase pero two-thousand na lang ang extra cash ko.
"Wala po ba talagang card?" I asked sadly and the woman shook her head at me.
"Pasensya na, Ma'am." Aniya kaya ngumuso ako.
I felt down, thinking na mababawasan ang mga binili kong pasalubong sa family ko kaya malungkot akong napatingin sa cart.
"You won't eat these all, masisira lang." Biglang may kumuha sa cart ko kaya nagulat ako at napalingon at nakita si Lieutenant sa tabi ko.
"Huh?"
"Excuse us first, Miss." Aniya sa cashier na tumango at kinuha ang mga cart ko.
"What are you doing?" I asked him when he placed the cart in the table nearby and sorted the foods I bought.
"They won't accept cards here, limit what you bought. Are you sure you'd finish all these? Mapapanis 'to, sayang ang pera mo." Aniyang seryoso habang tinatanggal ang ibang binili ko.
"But—"
"The way you spent your money is not admirable, Ma'am." Aniya at sumulyap sa akin, malamig ang mga mata. "Think wise in spending money, sayang ang masisirang pagkain sa mga nabili mo kapag napanis."
"Pero...gusto ko sanang ma-taste ang flavors?" I pouted and he sighed at me and nodded.
"Look here, itong mga tinira ko 'yong pinakamasasarap. These flavors here taste weird for me, I think hindi mo rin magugustuhan. If you want to have a taste, you can. May mga free taste sila rito, kukunan kita." Aniya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at napatango.
He went to the counter, I saw how he went back when I few small cups for a taster at like he said, it doesn't taste that good for me and...tama nga siya, baka masayang ko lang.
Hindi naman niya ako napigilan nang kumuha ako ng extra bottles ng mga masasarap na flavors dahil kasya naman sa cold cash na mayro'n ako.
Sasabog na ang phone ko sa messages ng family ko pero wala naman na silang magagawa dahil masaya ako at papauwi na kami.
I opened the window widely while I was sipping the taho with the coffee jelly flavor. So far, isa siya sa favorites ko!
A soft song is playing in the radio, walang-imik si Lieutenant sa tabi ko pero happy naman ako dahil pinagbigyan niya akong mag-ikot kahit 'di naman kami talaga magkakilalang dalawa.
I opened the car window to feel the fresh, cold air. Napansin kong napasulyap sa akin si Lieutenant kaya biglang natanto ko ang ginawa.
"Ay! Sorry!" I exclaimed, was about to close the car window when he shook his head at me.
"It's okay." He said, turned the aircon off instead kaya mas lumaki ang ngiti ko at nilibang ang sarili sa pagtikim ng mga taho.
While on our way to Manila, hindi kami masyadong nag-uusap. Gusto ko sanang daldalin kaso seryoso eh, 'tsaka pakonswelo ko na sa kanya ang katahimikan ko ngayon at sinamahan niya akong mamili ng taho.
Isa pa, kahit mabait naman siya...well, I think he's mabait na medyo snob? Feeling ko kapag ginulo ko siya habang nasa byahe ay biglang bumuga ng apoy at mapatalsik ako sa sasakyan kaya hindi na.
I'm a good, quiet girl for today.
"So...what's your name again?" I asked and he glanced at me and licked his lower lip before speaking.
"It's in the ID, Ma'am." Aniya kaya ngumuso na ako.
Sungit! Kinakausap na nga...
Sumulyap ako sa ID niya, gwapo naman kahit ID picture! Bakit ako, maganda naman ako sa personal pero sa picture mukha akong walang tulog na isang taon at sabog!
Where's the justice?
"Lorcan?" I asked and he cleared his throat and spoke.
"Just Locket, Ma'am." He said formally and my lips protruded and I nodded.
"What a cute name..." I whispered and smiled.
"Ay, hindi mo pa pala ako kilala, ano? Ako, I'm—" my phone rang, halos mapatalon na ako nang marinig ang ringtone na in-assign ko kay Dad.
I cursed, took my phone and answered it.
"Hello, Dad." I said softly and giggled. "Grabe naman si Attorney. Miss mo na ako kaagad—"
"Uuwi ka o ilalagay ko lahat ng damit mo sa maleta?" mariing sabi niya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at suminghap.
"I-I'm on my way home—"
"Crest Veronica!" he screamed and I closed my eyes.
"Pauwi na nga po—"
"Kambal! Yari ka!" I heard Alchiel exclaiming that before the call was cut.
I was frantic on my way home, Lieutenant was kind enough to drop me on our residence's gate.
"Here..." I showed him a paper bag, stopping him.
"Huh?" he asked.
"Thank you gift, binilhan kitang mga taho." I smiled at him and his forehead creased.
"It's nothing, you don't have to give me—"
"Come on, Lieutenant. It's okay, sabi mo you don't like sweets pero bigay mo na lang sa mga friends mo or kasama sa precinct?" I smiled at him. "Just...I wanted to say thank you because you're good to me kahit medyo masungit ka."
He frowned, "is that an insult?" he said, making me laughed.
"No, not at all." I chuckled. "I'm just saying thank you kasi—" my phone rang again, napapikit na ako at hindi na nakapag-antay.
I put the paperbag on his leg, waved my hand and went out of the car.
"Bye, Lieutenant! Sana mag-meet tayo again!" I exclaimed, grateful and quite panicking. I waved my hand at him, running for my life towards our house.
Gulantang ang guards nang makita ako at ang mga dala ko, they immediately offered me help, telling me Dad was looking at me. Nakauwi na pala ang mga pinsan ko.
I was nervous, of course. Naabutan ko sina Dad na nasa may kusina, kasama niya sina Chiel, Adira at Mom.
Kinakabahan ako pero nakikinig sa usapan nila.
"What about threats, Dad? May nagpapadala sa opisina ko nitong nakaraan." I heard Chiel said, which isn't new to us, palagi namang may mga banta sa amin dahil s'yempre, abogado ang pamilya ko.
"We can't do anything, pinadamihan ko ang securities sa vicinity ng firm at dito sa atin, pati na rin sa kompanya ng Mommy niyo. Adira and Crest will also have theirs too."
My eyes widen.
'Di nga? Ayaw ko ng guards!
"Gano'n talaga kapag malalaking tao ang kinakalaban," Mom said. "You know your father don't take cases that fast."
"We have to help the poor," Dad said. "Because if us, lawyers would take those powerful evil's side, who would help the incapable?"
"It's sad how justice is only served when you're wealthy," Adira commented.
"The sad reality, I guess. If we don't help the poor in getting their justice, then who will?" Chiel said and my mouth formed an O as I walked towards them and clapped my hands.
"Tama!" I exclaimed, stopping everyone. "Sheyt, grabeng swerte ko sa family ko, oh!"
Dumilim na ang mukha ni Dad sa akin. "Crest—"
"Sabi nga ni Papa Jer, you can never bring your wealth and money when you died but the principle? The kind heart and being a human, 'yon, madadala mo hanggang mamatay ka." I said in conviction, slowly and cautiously walking to my father glancing at me.
"Sa panahon ngayon madalang na lang ang tapat, ano?" I said and glanced at my father glaring at me sideways. "Politicians, lawyers, government, the court and even the police who vowed to protect and served people is the first one to kill, convict and hurt the incapable and innocent."
I tsk-ed, slowly hugging my Dad's waist and glanced at my family. I saw Mom's hidden smirk, probably knows what I am doing. Napailing si Chiel sa akin at natawa si Adira.
"I'm lucky and glad I knew people who stand by their principles and vowed duties to the public. Mabuti na lang, ma-prinsipyo ang pamilya ko!" I preached and lifted my hand to show them a fighting sign.
"'Di ba, Dad?" I glanced at my father and flashed a cute smile. "Swerte ko naman kasi may Dad akong gwapo na, mapagmahal pa, tapos tapat sa trabaho at s'yempre...hindi ako papagalitan, 'di ba?"
He glared at me, I showed him my cutest smile, mas yumakap.
"Dad...sorry na." I said.
"No." He said grimly.
"Come on, baby. Forgive the princess." I heard Mom said kaya napapangisi ako.
Go, Mommy! Ipaglaban mo ako!
"How would I—"
"You're the best Dad!" I said cheerfully and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Come on, sorry na, Dad. Love mo naman si Crest mo, right?" I almost smirked when I saw how his eyes soften.
"Come on, sorry na. Forgive your princess na, pretty please?" I smiled at him and after a few moments, he sighed.
Napapikit ako nang pitikin niya ang noo ko pero mayamaya'y bumuntonghininga.
"Alright, pero sa susunod..." he warned kaya napatili na ako at mas yumakap sa tagiliran niya.
"Best Dad ever! Crest is super lucky!" I even danced a bit, earning laughters from them at gano'n, mga kababayan, kung paano tatakas sa sermon ng Daddy.
Para hindi na magalit si Dad ay nakayakap lang ako sa kanya habang nag-uusap sila nina Mom, the guards called Chiel kaya lumabas na siya at nakikinig ako sa usapan nila roon sa kusina.
Dad was brushing my hair a bit, si Mommy ay nangingiti at kikindatan ako dahil nakaligtas na naman ang kanyang sugo sa bagsik ni angry Iñigo Rafael.
"Oh, I have pasalubong." I said before moving away from Dad, sumulyap ako sa paper bags sa lamesa para sana ipakita sa kanila ang taho nang bumalik si Chiel, kunot ang noo.
"Crest..." he called kaya natigilan ako.
"Oh?" I asked and smiled.
"'Yong order mong kama dumating na." Aniya kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"That fast?!" I exclaimed and Dad glanced at me, his forehead creasing.
"You ordered a bed, Crest?" aniya kaya tumango ako at ngumiti. I saw Mom blinking, umaatras na at lumapit kay Adira.
"Opo, don't worry, Dad. Super mura lang." I smiled at him at nakita ko ang suspicious niyang titig bago tumaas ang kilay.
"How much?" he asked.
"Uh, that's on sale. Originally it's five hundred thousand pero may flash sale kaya two hundred thousand na lang." I smiled innocently but I saw him glared at me.
"You—"
"Y-you want taho?" I asked, nag-uumpisa na mag-panic dahil hindi pala siya natuwa na sale na 'yong binili ko. "I bought a lot of flavor, masarap ang taho—"
"Anong taho?" he said grimly. "Saan na ang pamalo ko?!" he hissed, nang makita kong tinatanggal niya ang tsinelas na suot niya ay napa-sign of the cross na ako.
"S-sorry, Attorney for I have sinned." I said, lowering my head pero huli na ang lahat, lumagapak na sa pwet ko ang tsinelas kaya napasigaw na ako.
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