Kabanata 19
Ang mag-skip sa ending ng chapter tuyot forever HAHAHAHA! Unedited.
Trigger warning: This chapter contains sensitive topics/discussions. Please beware. Thank you!
--
Kabanata 19
"Any questions, class?" Our professor, Atty. Iñigo Rafael Sandejas asked after the presentation ended.
"None po," the class answered.
"Alright, let me ask questions instead." I saw how my father nodded, the strict aura he has were emphasized the moment he took the index cards with our names on it.
I heard gasps, the nervousness the room has only heightened.
"Attorney! Recitation?" one of my boy classmates asked and my father smirked and nodded, glancing around the room and chuckled.
"What's with the shock faces? Akala ko ba walang questions?" he asked.
"Nakakakaba naman kasi, Atty." The girl in front chuckled nervously. "Katatapos lang po ng discussion tapos recitation agad."
"Who's your professor way back Public Governance?" Dad asked and they answered, "kayo po."
"Oh, what's the problem then? 'Di pa ba kayo sanay?" Dad even chuckled to lighten the mood. "It's okay, kids, I won't bite. This is just a graded recitation, if you can't answer then it's okay, bawi kayo sa susunod."
"Attorney!" they whine but Dad only raised his brow and turned serious.
"Okay, for our first question..." Dad muttered and my heart thumped harder the moment he started shuffling those scary index cards with our names written on it and I honestly felt like we were in a court room and Dad is getting ready to sentence us for death penalty out of this nervousness.
"Hmm, Mr. Andres." He said upon glancing at the name and we all sigh in relief.
When Attorney Iñigo asked him about the question, I immediately knew the answer but I stayed silent.
"A-ah, 'di ko po alam, Attorney." My classmate chuckled nervously and Dad's intense blue eyes stared at him and I saw how he started sweating bullets.
"Why not?" Nakipagtitigan sa kanya ang seryosong Tatay ko at kung ako siguro 'yan at 'di ko kilala si Dad, baka naihi na ako sa salawal sa kaba.
"A-attorney, sorry po—"
"I was just kidding," Dad smiled. "You can sit down."
Parang mahihimatay na ang kaklase ko nang maupo sa upuan niya kaya medyo natawa ako, lahat ata sila'y kabado at ako lang ang chill kaya ako lang ang natawa, medyo malakas pa kaya sabay-sabay silang nagsilingunan sa akin.
"What's funny, Miss Sandejas?" Dad asked when he caught my eyes kaya eksaheradang nanlaki ang mata ko at napatakip ng bibig.
"Nothing, Dad—Attorney." I cleared my throat and began feeling nervous again. "W-wala naman po..."
I was hoping for a soft smile my father would give me pero sa halip ay tumango siya at seryosong umayos ng tayo.
"Seems like you're not nervous for our recitation, hmm?" he asked.
"Huh? Hindi naman—medyo po!" napalakas ang boses ko nang matanto ang lumabas sa bibig. "K-kinakabahan ako, grabe nga, eh." I smiled sheepishly.
"I see," Dad nodded and checked the index card. "Please stand up, Miss Sandejas, let me ask you the next question." Aniya at parang lalabas na ata ang puso sa dibdib ko bago dali-daling tumayo.
I saw the taunting look from my classmates when Dad called me, nakita kong may kinuha ni Dad ang index card ko bago nagsalita.
"It is the obligation which gives to the creditor or obligee a right under the law to enforce their performance in courts of justice." Dad said and stared at me.
I froze, kaagad akong napaisip sa kanyang tanong.
I know that! I've read it last night! Nag-a-advance study ako kapag si Dad ang prof. namin kaya alam ko 'to!
Article 1156...Natural? No!
"Miss Sandejas?"
"Civil...civil obligation!" I exclaimed confidently and the whole class remained silent.
"Are you sure, Miss?" Dad raised his brow at me, staring intently while I am nervously biting my lower lip.
"U-uh, yes." I said and smiled awkwardly when Dad remained looking.
OMG. OMG. Am I wrong?! But I studied really well last night kasi Dad's my professor today!
"Correct," Dad suddenly smiled proudly and my eyes widen. "Very good, Miss Sandejas. You can sit now."
Nakatulala pa ata ako kay Dad habang paupo at nakita ko ang tagong ngisi niya bago muling nagtawag ng mga kaklase ko.
OMG, I am freaking correct! Is that a proud smile I am seeing from Dad's face? Dad is proud! Gosh, I should study harder!
After that nerve-wrecking recitation, my Dad gave us a post-test for what we have learned in today's lesson and dahil nag-aaral nga ako ng bongga kapag class ni Dad sa amin dahil madalas ay substitute lang naman siya t'wing Thursday kasi nga wala ang isang Attorney ay ginagalingan ko.
"And the highest, again is..." I saw Dad smirked and stared at the class. "Miss Crest Veronica."
Eksaheradang napatakip ako sa bibig, some of my boy classmates clapped their hands and I saw the girl's simply rolling their eyes pero wala akong pakialam dahil masaya ako na nakikita ni Dad na nag-aaral akong mabuti.
"Very good, Miss Sandejas. Keep it up." Dad said before closing his laptop and stood, "See you next Thursday, class dismissed."
I am so happy that day, halos sumayaw pa nga ako kahit ako lang mag-isa ang nag-break at sa mga next subjects ay gano'n din kung hindi lang ako inabangan no'ng uwian no'ng mga bitchy mean girls na 'to.
"You know what? Ang yabang mo, porket anak ka lang ni Attorney. Akala mo matalino ka?" Mitch confronted and I raised my brow at her and Lyka.
"Oh?" I asked.
"If I know, Atty. is leaking the questions to you, sa bahay niyo. Para magaling ka?" ani Lyka kaya kumunot ang noo ko. "Or no! Atty. is a principled man! Baka you're sneaking to his office to cheat and read the questions in advance!"
"Crazy people ba kayo?" I asked coldly and they glared at me.
"What?" Mitch gasped.
"Can't I study in advance? If you're so naiingit then why don't you study too?" I asked and raised my brow pero nagsinghapan lang ang dalawa na parang naeeskandalo ko pa.
"Bobo ka kasi!" Mitch exclaimed, "akala mo ba hindi namin pansin na mababa ka sa ibang subject pero kapag kay Attorney galing-galingan ka!"
Am I really...bobo?
"Yes! Remember sa Algebra? Bobo ka sa Math!" Lyka hissed and I smirked, hinawi ang buhok bago nagsalita.
"Oh? Sorry, hindi lang sa Math." I said instead at nang matigilan sila ay ngumisi ako at walang pagdadalawang-isip na tumalikod para umalis.
I know I am confident, tunog maldita pa no'ng sinagot sila pero deep inside, I felt like I really am a failure in our family. I realized that ginagalingan ko lang naman kasi nandito si Dad sa subject pero sa ibang subject naman ay walang motivation kaya hirap na hirap.
My shoulders fell.
"Princess? What happened?" I almost jumped when I heard a voice at nang i-angat ko ang tingin ay nanlaki ang mata nang masalubong si Dad.
"D-dad..." I called but then I noticed he's staring at somewhere, nang sundan ko iyon ay naabutan kong seryoso ang kanyang tingin kina Mitch at Lyka na mukhang nagulat at mabilis na umalis.
"You okay?" ani Dad nang makaalis ang dalawa kaya mabilis akong ngumiti at yumakap.
"Yes naman, Dad! Bakit naman hindi?" I asked and smiled cheerfully but Dad just sighed and hugged me back before kissing my hair.
"You did great in class, Crest." Aniya kaya napahiwalay ako sa kanya at kaagad na ngumisi.
"I know! Ginalingan ko ng super para maging proud ka!" I said happily and Dad smiled and nodded, mabilis na kinuha ang hand bag ko at inilagay sa braso niya.
"I'm always proud of you," he smiled at inakbayan ako. "But you must be proud of yourself too, Crest. You should do things for you, not for me."
Natahimik ako at napasulyap kay Dad habang naglalakad kaming magkasama.
"But...I want to make our family proud, Dad." I said. "Kasi medyo slow po ako."
"What are you saying, anak?" Dad stared at me like I'm something else. "You are not slow, may pagkatamad lang minsan pero you can work it out, just enjoy what you're doing, okay na ako."
"Bakit mo ako tinawag kanina, Dad?" I asked. "Paano pala kung wala akong masagot?"
"Paanong wala?" Dad chuckled and messed with my hair. "You're the only one I am seeing listening to my boring lessons intently, you won't take your eyes off the monitor so I know you are listening well and I'm right. My princess is the highest, see?" He winked kaya natawa ako at yumakap sa kanyang baywang.
Dad motivates me in studying, lalo na noong mga next meetings namin. Madalas ay sinasabi niyang may quizzes kami pero noong mga sumunod ay biglaan after or before the lessons.
"You can study for an hour, class." Dad said and stared at us. "Please take note that I will be making my exams impromptu from this day and the next so I am giving you time to review while I make one. I suggest you do an advance reading next time so everyone will be ready."
He's making our quizzes and exams impromptu because he doesn't want people to think na I'm seeing the exams in advance?
Nangilid ang luha ko habang nagre-review para sa quiz na 'yon and I am so happy when Dad announced the I got the highest score on his subject, again.
But when Dad stopped taking being the substitute professor because of his busy court schedule, it all turned haywire. Pinag-initan ako ng mga kaklase ko, mostly ang mga ka-batch because...I don't know?
It maybe because I'm talking to their boys? I mean, what's wrong with just talking? As if I am flirting? Isa pa, when I talked to those boys, sabi nila they're single! Tapos ako ang sisisihin?
Malandi raw ako? As if it's my fault that boys would flock around me, kasalanan ko bang mga gago ang boyfriends nila? Why would they blame me for their poor boy choices?
Damn them, I didn't know if they're just jealous of me or just holding personal grudges that they would frame me in that cheating incident. Gusto kong ilaban ang sarili ko, gusto kong ipaliwanag noon na hindi ko magagawa iyon pero napapagod na kasi akong kaka-explain sa sarili ko.
Everyone voted against me, my classmates, some are even on the last row claimed they saw it was me, even my professor kaya anong laban ko? Dad was even waiting for my explanation pero hindi ko na nagawang maipagtanggol ang sarili dahil idiniin na ako ng lahat.
I saw how my parents refused to believe it but my classmates, specifically, Mitch and Lyka testified, saying they saw it on their own eyes kaya hindi na ako nakapagpaliwanag. May panghuhusga na rin naman sila sa akin.
I remained quiet and mum about it that Dad was enraged of me, probably assuming I really did it because I didn't even explain my side.
I was so stressed and tired during those times, I am so tired of people judging me without knowing the whole version of it. People says, there are three versions of truth, theirs, yours and the truth yet people would only believe in their own version.
Kahit alam nila ang totoo, kahit lumabas ang totoo, hindi pa rin sila maniniwala dahil ayaw nila. They would mock you because of their judgment of you without knowing the truth pero sa huli, kapag lumabas ang katotohanan, no one would even dare apologize for they have wronged you.
They would all stay silent and move on to their lives as if nothing happened while me, the affected one would be miserable, would be left behind with the bad memories they gave me.
It was a tough life. Akala ng iba siguro, masayang-masaya ako sa buhay ko. They would probably thought I am living "The life" because we have the wealth but no. Hindi lang naman ang pera ang mahalaga, mahalaga ang emosyon ko, ang nararamdaman ko pero hindi nila alam 'yon dahil kamiserablehan ko lang ang hiling nila.
And I'm lucky, because kahit miserable ako sa loob-loob, may pamilya akong mahal na mahal ko pero masakit pala...I did my best to protect them from my pain, I did my best to hide them the truth so the monsters chaining me would only haunt and hurt me, hindi na sila pero ngayon...
Ang sakit, ang sakit-sakit na ang mga taong mahal ko, ang mga taong pinoprotektahan ko sa sakit ay nakikita kong punong-puno ng panibugho at mga luha ngayon.
"S-sino...s-sinong nanakit sa anak ko?!" Dad's angry and miserable voice roared the room as he knelt in front of me.
"D-dad..." my voice broke while saying that, nakaupo na rin sa lapag at umiiyak.
It broke my heart when I heard his desperate cries, his hands shaking as he lifted it and touched my cheek.
"S-sino..." his voice turned darker and scarier, "s-sinong nanakit sa'yo? A-anak...sino..." tuloy-tuloy pa rin sa pag-agos ang kanyang luha at mas nanginig ako.
"D-dad...I-I'm scared..." my voice shook more. "N-natatakot ako..."
"D-don't be s-scared, h-hmm?" mas lumuhod siya at mas sinapo ang pisngi ko, "d-dito si Daddy, I-I will protect y-you...a-anak ko, poprotektahan kita. S-sino, sino..."
I stared at his eyes and I saw how his eyes twinkled with such pain and it doubled mine, rinig ko ang iyak sa paligid pero ang atensyon ko ay na kay Dad na nasa harapan ko at nanginginig.
"S-sabi niya, s-sasaktan niya kayo k-kapag nagsabi a-ako..." I shook my head. "A-ayaw ko po kayo masaktan, D-dad...ayaw ko po."
"N-no, tell me, hmm?" he said softly with his broken voice. "T-tell me, please."
My breath labored upon seeing my Dad's eyes, I've seen him sad and angry before but not this intent...I've never seen him this enraged, desperate and broken before. Ngayon lang.
"S-sino kambal?" Alchiel asked desperately when I began shaking. "S-sinong bumaboy sa'yo?! S-sinong demonyo 'yan?!"
"S-si..." my lips quivered as I stared at my father waiting for me. "S-si Eugene...b-binaboy niya ako, D-dad. T-takot na takot p-po ako..."
"Putang ina...t-tang ina niya..." mas napaiyak si Dad, I felt how my body felt numb when I heard his intense cries. He pulled me closer to him and hugged me protectively.
"S-sorry, anak ko..." he whispered. "H-hindi kita naprotektahan, p-patawarin m-mo sana ako..."
I buried my face on his neck and sobbed, pulling his clothes.
"I-I'm scared, n-natatakot ako, Dad. T-takot na takot p-po ako..." I muttered. "S-save me, p-please save me."
"K-kasalanan ko 'to..." Dad muttered, "t-tang ina, w-wala akong kwentang ama."
"N-no!" I exclaimed desperately. "H-hindi po totoo 'y-yan—"
"W-wala...w-wala akong kwenta, w-wala..." he exclaimed, "I-I don't deserve h-happiness, I d-don't deserve t-this life k-kung miski anak ko 'di ko maprotektahan!"
"D-dad...no, please. D-don't blame yourself." I said desperately, weeping hard but he shook his head.
"T-this is all my fault," he muttered. "K-kung b-binantayan kita, k-kung mas inayos ko ang pagprotekta...h-hindi ka pagsasamantalan ng demonyong 'y-yon, I d-don't deserve this life, I-I don't..." he moved away from me and I saw something scary on his eyes.
It was unreadable, terrifying and confusing.
"Dad—" I was startled when he abruptly moved away from me, sinundan namin siya ng tingin at kaagad na umawang ang labi ko nang walang hirap niyang nakuha ang baril na nasa lamesa.
"Dad!" I exclaimed loudly.
"Iñigo!" Mom exclaimed and we all gasp in shocked the moment he raised the gun and put it on his head.
"Fuck! Kuya!" Tito Zeijan exclaimed at mabilis akong napatayo sa lapag nang makita ang ginawa niya.
"Oh my God!" Mom gasped, "Iñigo! A-anong...anong ginagawa mo?! Ibaba mo 'yan!" Mom exclaimed loudly and my heart thumped loudly when I saw how tears fell on my father's cheek as he shook his head.
"T-Thallia, w-wala akong k-kwentang ama..." his voice broke upon saying that at mas napahagulgol ako roon.
"T-that wasn't true!" I exclaimed. "'D-di 'yan totoo, Dad...i-ibaba mo 'yan!"
"Dad!" Alchiel exclaimed, hugging Adira who's crying loudly.
"K-kasalanan ko..." Dad said desperately, "k-kung prinotektahan ko lang—"
"P-prosecutor, don't do this." Locket spoke and calmly walked towards him to talk him out of it. "I-I know it's painful b-but we can talk about it—"
"W-wala kang alam, Dmitrov!" Dad exclaimed loudly. "A-ang anak ko ang naagrabyado! W-wala kang alam!"
I can see how nervous Locket is, he's shaking too but he's a police officer so he's taking his time.
"Prosecutor—"
"H'wag ka makisali!" Dad exclaimed and my sobs became louder when Dad pointed his gun at Locket. "W-wala kang alam! S-sinaktan mo rin ang prinsesa ko k-kaya h'wag kang makisali!" his voice roared.
"Dad!" Alchiel hissed, "lower the fucking gun!" he exclaimed and we can hear Mom's sobs while closing her eyes tightly.
"Iñigo!" Tito Thorn said seriously, "lower the gun, pag-usapan na lang natin 'to! Your children can see you!"
"T-Thorn, 'yong anak ko..." he said and my grip on my clothes tightened when the pointed the gun back on his head.
"Kuya!" Tito Zeij exclaimed, "you should lower—"
"Binaboy nila 'yong prinsesa ko, Zeijan Ruais!" Dad exclaimed. "W-wala akong alam! W-wala akong kwentang Tatay! H-habang nagpapakasarap ako, 'y-yong anak ko..." mas bumilis ang paghinga niya, "'y-yong anak ko naghihirap pero wala akong alam!"
Napatakip ako sa bibig ko at halos mapaupo na sa lapag sa kakaiyak.
"N-no...it's not true..." I whispered.
"W-wala akong kwenta! W-wala akong karapatan maging masaya! N-ni hindi ko maipagtanggol 'y-yong anak ko!" he exclaimed at halos mawalan ako ng kulay nang marinig ko ang pagkasa ng baril. "L-let me just end this u-undeserving life—"
I screamed loudly when I saw how he closed his eyes tightly, his finger slowly moving to the trigger.
"Fuck you!" my eyes widen in shock when Tito Thorn moved hastily, punching my Dad's cheek.
Napasinghap ako nang bumagsak siya sa suntok ni Tito, I saw how Tito Zeijan and Zion gripped Dad's arm and Locket was too fast to get the gun, immediately disarming it at napaupo na ako sa lapag nang makitang wala na ang baril sa kamay ni Dad.
"O-oh my God..." Mom fell on her knees. "O-oh my God...oh m-my God..." she began crying loudly and I crawled towards her and hugged her tightly.
"Gago ka ba?!" I heard Tito Thorn's enraged voice as he pulled Dad's collar and pushed him harshly on the wall while seated on the floor. "Tang ina mo ka!"
"B-bakit mo...s-sana hinayaan mo na lang ako mamatay..." Dad cried loudly but Tito Thorn punched his cheek again.
"Wake up, Iñigo!" Tito Thorn's voice were dark and angry. "Wake up, you asshole! Why would you fucking kill yourself?! G-gago ka ba?!" his voice shook too but Dad was preoccupied and crying.
"'Y-yong anak ko, Thorn..." Dad muttered, "'y-yong anak ko s-sinaktan..."
"Oo, sinaktan 'yong anak mo tapos magpapakamatay ka?!" Tito exclaimed angrily.
"W-wala akong m-magawa..." he said, "a-abogado ako, putang ina. P-pinagtatanggol ko 'yong ibang tao p-pero 'yong anak k-ko, 'y-yong anak ko, 'di ko m-mapagtanggol 'yong prinsesa ko..."
"K-kaya nga bakit ka magpapakamatay na gago ka?! Tanga ka ba?! Huh?!" Tito exclaimed. "Magpapakamatay ka na hindi binibigyan ng hustisya 'yong anak mo?!"
Mas napaiyak si Dad doon, I saw how he trembled, letting Tito Thorn scream at his face.
"Akala ko ba matalino ka?!" Tito exclaimed. "'Yong anak mo naagrabyado pero magpapakamatay ka? Wala kang magawa? Edi gawan mo!"
"S-sorry...sorry..." Dad cried miserably. "S-sorry..."
"Bumawi ka sa anak mo! Kung binigyan mo ng hustisya 'yong ibang tao! Bigyan mo ang anak mong tang ina ka!" Tito screamed desperately. "H-hindi pagpapakamatay ang sagot, Iñigo Rafael! I looked up to you but when she needed you the most, you weren't there and now you wanted to end your life?!"
"I-it's my fault...I-I'm sorry, p-patawarin mo ako...anak ko." He mumbled miserably.
"How dare you end your life without giving your daughter justice, huh?!" Tito exclaimed. "K-kapag nawala ka, paano na ang pamilya mo, huh?! Paano sila?!"
Umiling-iling si Dad at mas napatungo.
"B-bumawi kang gago ka..." Tito muttered. "Y-you weren't there when we saw her crying in the rain on the side of the road, Iñigo! Alam mo bang hindi niya kayang matulog na walang sleeping pills?! Alam mo bang muntik nang magpakamatay 'yong anak mo?!"
I froze, I saw how Clyte covered her lips and cried silently. Si Locket ay mabilis na napasulyap sa akin, may halong gulat at sakit ang mga mata.
"W-what..." I noticed the stares people are giving me pero patuloy lang na nahulog ang mga luha ko roon.
"A-anak ko, s-sorry..." Mommy whispered and hugged me tightly pero ang mga mata ko ay na kay Dad na patuloy na humihikbi. When our eyes locked, I saw how he pushed Tito Thorn away and stood, walking hastily towards me at mas nanginig ako nang mabilis niya kaming niyakap ni Mommy at mas napahagulgol.
"S-sorry, a-anak ko..." he cried and hugged us tighter. "S-sorry hindi ko alam, p-patawarin mo s-sana ako, s-sorry, w-wala akong kwentang ama, Crest. H-hindi kita napagtanggol."
"D-dad..."
"T-tang ina, a-abogado ako, a-abogado kami pero m-mismong a-anak ko, 'yong anak ko hindi ko n-nabigyan ng hustisya, t-tang ina...ang gago ko, ang gago ko..." he cried and my eyes swelled more when I felt Chiel and Adira's embrace.
"T-Thallia, 'yong p-prinsesa ko, h-hindi ko man lang nailigtas." Dad cried while talking to my Mom. "'Y-yong anak natin, 'd-di ko man lang naipagtanggol..." he cried violently.
I don't know how long we stayed that way, I felt like we are all dehydrated after hours of crying and we are all lost, kung hindi lang dumating sina Tito Dash at sina Tita Zidney ay hindi pa kami kakalma.
I felt really exhausted, Alchiel, on his bloodshot eyes even helped me up from the floor and I took his hand.
Inalalayan niya akong patayo at kaagad kong nasalubong ang pagod at ang puno ng sakit na mga mata ni Locket habang nakatingin sa akin.
Nangilid ang mga luha kong muli sa panibagong sakit na bumalot sa puso ko habang nakatingin sa mga mata niya. I saw how he stood straight when he saw me looking, mas lumambot ang mga tingin pero kaagad akong natigilan nang pumintig ang ulo ko sa sakit.
Suddenly, I felt weaker, nanliit ang mga tao sa paligid ko kaya napakapit ako sa kakambal ko na kaagad na natigilan.
"Crest?" he called, "are you okay?" he asked pero nabitawan ko ang braso niya nang umikot ang paningin at nawalan ng lakas, kasabay ng pagbagsak ko kung saan.
"Hoy, Crest, 'yong crush mo raw darating!" I heard one of my friends, Jellie said, that night for our graduation afterparty.
"Oh?" I chuckled, fixing my red glittery dress and put my hair behind my ears. "Sino ro'n?"
Sam and Jellie laughed when they heard me, ngumisi ako at kinuha ang Tequila na ibinibigay ng waiter at sinimsim.
I am just happy! Dad allowed me to go to our afterparty! First time pinayagan niya akong mag-bar with my friends and I am so excited tonight! I even wore the dress I designed for my graduation! I have a lot of clothes na nagawa na pero this red one is my favorite and so, until tonight, I am flexing this!
"Si Eugene!" ani nila kaya natawa ako at napatango-tango.
"Oh, really? Now? Bakit?" I asked, kinda excited to see him. He's handsome, I admit. Marami naman akong crush talaga sa college, well, Eugene Yuzon is on the top of the list, mabait kasi. Tho, hindi naman na siya estudyante at ang balita ko'y nagte-train ng pulis ata pero madalas siya sa school dahil Tita niya yata ang Dean ng college of business.
He helped me in some matters kapag nandoon siya, just simply helping me carrying heavy things and all at mabait naman kaya naging crush ko.
"Party lang," Sam smiled. "Ayaw mo no'n, makikita mo crush mo?"
"Baliw," I chuckled. "Pero why not?" I winked kaya nagkatawanan na kami.
I was amazed when I saw Eugene coming with his male friends, habang sumisimsim ako ng inumin ko at medyo tipsy man, nang magkatinginan kami ay kaagad akong ngumiti sa kanya. He smiled back at me at para naman hindi halatang crush ko siya ay ngumuso ako at umiwas ng tingin, binaling na lang ang tingin sa aking inumin.
"Oh, Crest! Inom pa!" The tipsy Jellie gave me another shot kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at natawa sa kanya.
"No, no..." I shook my head, "I have to go home before three A.M., guys. I'm a bit tipsy, alam niyo naman si Attorney, kapag 'di ako umuwi ng maaga baka halughugin ang buong Pilipinas—"
"Oh, come on, don't be KJ!" Sam rolled her eyes. "Kaka-graduate lang natin, oh! You should enjoy life first, Crest! Your father would just clip your wings! YOLO, right?!"
"Right, right...YOLO." I chuckled. "Pero talagang magiging isa ang buhay ko kapag nagalit ang Dad."
"Oh, super KJ!" Jellie smirked. "H'wag kang papayag, party lang! Enjoy!"
"Naku, buti pa ang Daddy ko! He allowed me to do anything!" Sam sighed happily. "Jowa na lang kulang!"
It made me chuckle, abala kami sa pagkekwentuhan at pag-iinuman nang tinapik ako ni Jellie na nagmamadali pa.
"OMG! OMG, Crest, si Eugene!" she hissed kaya natigilan na ako. My heart thumped in shock when I shifted my gaze and saw my crush walking towards us, nang magsalubong ang mata namin at ngitian niya ako ay kumalabog na ang puso ko.
Hastily, I took the glass of liquor and drank it straightly to calm myself that I heard the ohs from my friends.
"Nice one," Sam chuckled.
"Go, Crest. Galingan mo, ah?" Jellie smirked and tapped my back kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at medyo nahilo.
"Hey, h'wag niyo ko iwan—"
"Hi, Eugene! Hanap ka ni Crest!" biglang sabi ni Sam kaya suminghap na ako at napailing sa kanila.
"No—"
"Really? You're looking for me?" he smirked and my cheeks flushed as I slowly nodded, para hindi na mapahiya ay natawa at sumimsim ng alak muli.
"U-uh, ano, hindi ko alam na pupunta kayo rito." I said and he nodded, narinig ko ang hagikhikan ni Sam at Jellie nang naupo sa stool katabi ng akin si Eugene, gusto ko sanang tawagin ang dalawa para samahan ako at nahihiya ako pero mabilis na umalis at hinayaan ako.
I saw Eugene stared at me and nodded, "we're actually planning to go here, kasi 'di ba, may afterparty kayo?"
My eyes widen, mabilis akong tumango at sumimsim.
"Ah, yes. Pinayagan ako ni Dad." I said and he nodded, nagtawag ng bartender para sa inumin niya kaya sumulyap ako sa inumin, nahihiyang sumimsim doon habang inaantay niya ang alak niya.
I was nervous, alright. I have boys before, I had relationships pero siyempre, crush ko si Eugene and he's older than me so I'm shy. I don't appreciate my friends leaving me alone pa kasi nakakahiya talaga, I want them around me.
"So...first time going to bars?" Eugene asked when he got his drink, mabilis naman akong umiling sa kanya.
"I am going to bars with my cousins before, first time lang na pinayagan na with friends tapos walang bantay." I chuckled. "You know my father, he's overprotective at times pero napagbibigyan naman ako, kagaya ngayon."
"So, wala kang bantay?" he asked and looked around kaya nagtaka ako pero napatango.
"Yeah, Sam or Jellie would take me home today." I smiled and he nodded and licked his lip.
"Wala? That's good then." Aniya kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
"Good?" I asked and he stopped but then chuckled and shook his head.
"I mean, it's good na ihahatid ka nila Jel pauwi." He smiled at me, "oh, inom ka pa. You should enjoy yourself for now, minsan lang maging Malaya. You wouldn't know kailan ka ulit papayagan ni Attorney diyan."
"Well..." I chuckled. "I should be home by three."
"Oh? Maaga pa naman." Aniya pagkatapos sumulyap sa orasan. "Come on, let's drink more, Crest. If you got wasted, I'll take care of you."
It made me smile, he looks so genuine and he was never rude to me before so I trusted him and he poured my glass again with liquor kaya mabilis ko 'yong tinungga.
My father is liquor intolerant, same as my brother. Sa kanilang dalawa, mas malakas ang tolerance ko sa alak pero sakto lang, I also have my limits and I knew I reached it the moment I felt dizzy and numb.
"Inom pa," Eugene then attempted to fill my glass pero inilingan ko siya.
"N-no..." I mumbled. "I-I'm drunk, Eugene. Ayaw ko na."
"Don't be a KJ, Crest." He said, "come on, baby. Drink more."
"N-no..." I shook my head but then he chuckled and I felt him placed his arm behind my seat.
"Sige na, I would like you more if you drink." Aniya kaya nahihilo man ay nilingon ko siya.
"I-I should go home, Eugene." I said in a hoarse voice but I saw him smiled, his black eyes stared at me and I froze when I felt his palm on my leg.
"W-what..." I pushed his hand a bit at napatikhim siya bago ako nilingon.
"Oh, sorry, I was just fixing your dress, it's hitching." He said kaya kahit nanlalabo ang mata'y bumaling ako sa dress kong pula at napansing umaangat nga.
"O-oh..." my mouth parted, "okay, thanks, Eugene." I smiled.
"Welcome," I heard him whispered. "We should drink more."
"I have to go home," I muttered and stood on my seat, "r-restroom lang, freshen up." I smiled and he nodded, pasuray-suray pa akong pumunta sa banyo para mag-ayos at ikalma ang sarili.
Oh, shit. I'm fucking wasted! I could barely see myself clear on the freaking mirror! I even attempted putting a lipstick on but I was too scared it would get smudge or something kaya 'di ko na tinuloy.
"Y-you are not drunk, okay, Crest?" I pointed myself. "Hindi tayo lasheng!" I hissed and tapped my cheek to wake myself up.
I spent at least five minutes in the restroom until I decided to go out again and go home na since it's almost one and I am dead drunk.
Hilong-hilo ako sa ilaw sa buong bar, the loud music filled my ears and I saw people making out on the dancefloor.
"Hey, Crest..." I almost jumped when I saw Eugene and he took my arm, nagtatakang nilingon ko siya pero inalalayan niya ako pabalik sa stool. "Are you okay?" he asked gently and I licked my lower lip and nodded.
"Y-yeah," I chuckled. "M-medyo hilo lang, sina Jel? Papahatid sana ako p-pauwi na."
"Maaga pa, uwi ka na?" aniya kaya tumango ako at ngumisi, nahihilo na.
"Yeah, I should before Dad would kill me." I joked kaya natawa siya, mukhang may malalim na iniisip bago nagsalita.
"Here, you should drink water first." Inusog niya ang baso ng tubig na nasa harapan niya sa akin.
"O-oh no na," I shook my head, "I'm okay."
"You should." Aniya at pinilit sa akin ang baso. "Pampawala ng lasing."
"But I'm okay—"
"Drink it, Crest Veronica." Aniyang dumiin na ang boses kaya natigilan na ako at tinitigan siya at nakita kong lumambot ang ekspresyon niya. "Sorry, I mean...para gumaan ang pakiramdam mo. This would wash the alcohol away."
"A-alright," I chuckled a bit, took the glass and drink the water and I saw him staring intently at me while I was drinking. "Done." I smiled when I consumed it all and he nodded, his face brightened.
"Good," aniya at hinaplos ang buhok ko. "I'm gonna call Jellie and Sam to take you home."
"O-okay," I smiled even when I felt dizzier than earlier. "Dito lang ako."
He smiled and nodded and I was left alone there on the stool, nanliliit na ang paningin at mas nahihilo. It took me a while before I felt weird about myself, napahawak ako sa batok ko at napapikit ng mariin.
"Kuya, is the aircon on?" baling ko sa bartender na kaagad na tumango sa akin.
"Opo, Ma'am. Lamig nga, eh." Aniya na ngumiti pa kaya napatango ako at muling napahawak sa hita ko.
"W-why is it so fucking hot?" I whispered and moved my body.
"Shit, it's hot!" I hissed, annoyed. I felt my dress hitching, inayos ko iyon at umayos ng upo para kalmahin ang sarili nang makarinig ako ng bulong.
"Mainit?" I shifted my face and I gasped in shock when I saw Eugene behind me, nagdikit pa ang ilong namin sa sobrang lapit niya kaya lumayo ako ng bahagya at ngumiti.
"Y-yeah," I said and stared at his lips. "I-it's hot, hindi ata bukas 'yong a-aircon."
"Mainit nga, eh." Aniya at napaiwas ako ng tingin, I felt his hand on my back and it sent me shivers kaya hindi ko alam ang dapat kong maramdaman.
"U-uwi na ako," I said and moved away from him, mabilis akong bumaba sa stool pero napasinghap nang mawalan ng balanse pero mabilis niya akong inabot.
"Careful..." he whispered sensually and weird as it feels, I felt hotter.
Fuck? Why is it so hot here in this bar?! Don't they have an aircon or something?!
"S-si Jel?" I asked and moved a bit away from him pero mabilis niya akong naabot.
"They were still busy partying," aniya kaya mas kumunot ang noo ko.
"H-huh? But they said they'll take me home—"
"It's just one, Crest. Usapan niyo alas-tres, 'di ba? They were busy—"
"But I have to go home!" I whine and almost stomped my feet, feeling weirdly hot I felt like undressing myself.
"Ako na lang maghahatid sa'yo," ani Eugene.
"H-huh?" my voice turned somber, "a-ayaw kong makaabala—"
"Hindi ka abala, Crest." He said and touched my shoulder, mas inantok ako roon. "Come on, let me take you, okay?"
I was sleepy and feeling hot, iminulat ko ang mata at natagpuan siyang malambing ang tingin sa akin.
"I-I can go home," I said and started walking pero nawalan lang ako ng balanse sa sobrang lasing kaya suminghap ako.
"Ang kulit, you can't even walk, Crest, I will take you home, okay?" aniyang malambing kaya lumalim ang paghinga ko at napakapit sa damit niya at tumang-tango.
"O-okay," I said, disoriented.
It happened so fast, I was feeling lost and hot that I started pulling my dress out of my body.
"Oh, I realized I didn't know your house, Crest." I can hear his voice but I was busy pulling my clothes. "How about we check in sa hotel tapos hatid kita bukas kapag ayos ka na sa inyo?"
I couldn't grasp what he's saying, I was busy checking the air conditioner and gasping.
"B-bakit mainit?" I gasped and tried opening the window desperately to get some fresh air pero nahawakan niya ako.
"Don't open it," aniya.
"E-Eugene, mainit—"
"I know, pero ano, Crest? Are you in?" he asked pero ipinikit ko lang ang mata ko.
"M-mainit..." I pulled my dress, "I-I want some air..."
"Okay, bubuksan ko ang salamin pero sasama ka ba?" he asked and I groaned.
"Hmm?"
"Come on, yes or no? I will open the window if you say yes—"
"Yes, yes..." I nodded nonchalantly, couldn't get what he's saying but I was so desperate for air.
"Good girl," he said and I felt so relaxed and relieved when the cold air from outside the window touched my face.
Nakaidlip ako kaya akala ko'y ayos na pero pag-gising ko ay akay-akay ako ni Eugene kung saan ang I was so drunk to even comprehend what was happening.
"Who's that, Eugene?" I heard a baritone voice pero hindi ko na malingon ang mukha dahil sa hilong nararamdaman.
"I'm with my girlfriend," I heard Eugene answered. "Bakit ka nandito? Late night work, huh? Police officer?"
"I'm checking things out," the cold voice said. "You have a girlfriend? Your sister said wala—"
"I have, okay?!" I almost jumped when I heard Eugene's loud voice kaya napakunot ang noo ko. "Why don't you go back to Ver—"
"Who's that?" the strict voice said kaya gumalaw ako para sana dungawin ang lalaking kausap ni Eugene pero hinatak ako ni Eugene kaya napasubsob ako pabalik sa kanya.
"Pakialam mo?" I heard him said coldly and I gasped when I felt Eugene carried me on his arms at gusto ko mang bumaba, hindi ko magawa dahil nahihilo ako at gusto lang matulog kaso maingay.
"The lady is obviously drunk, Eugene." Malamig na sabi no'ng kausap niya. "I will take her to the station—"
"Hindi ko kayo pinapakialam ng kapatid ko kaya h'wag mo akong pakialaman!" Eugene's voice roared. "Isa pang pakikialam mo sa'kin at sa girlfriend ko, I will take my rebel sister away from you."
"This isn't about her, Eugene. I was talking about the girl in your arms, kakausapin ko lang saglit at kapag nakompirma kong ayos siya—"
"I am a police officer, I know what I am doing!" I heard him hissed.
"But still, let me talk to her—"
I groaned when my ear started ringing, I felt so exhausted and hot kaya suminghap na ako.
"Q-quiet, please..." I gasped loudly. "M-maingay."
I felt relaxed when the silence filled them as I heard Eugene's laughter.
"See? She's my girlfriend." I heard Eugene pero 'di na ako makapagsalita dahil nahuhulog na ang talukap ng mga mata ko. "Fuck off, hindi ko kinuha sa'yo ang rebeldeng babaeng 'yon kaya matuto kang lumugar. You are just a kid, I have a higher rank than you. Isa pang pakikialam mo sa'kin at magkakamatayan tayo, I'd take her away from you. I fucking swear."
Nawala ang ingay, narinig ko ang paglalakad ni Eugene at nagsalita na ako.
"S-si Daddy ko..." I hummed. "L-lapit na ba tayo sa b-bahay? D-dad ko, m-magagalit Dad ko."
"We're near your house, Crest." I heard his hoarse voice. "Saglit lang 'to."
"Hmm?" I hummed and slowly opened my eyes and realized we're in a hallway. "'D-di ko 'to bahay—"
"May kakausapin lang akong kaibigan, saglit. Tapos uuwi na kita."
I was so tired to argue that when he lowered me down to open the room, I followed him nonchalantly. Nang makita ang kama ay kaagad akong humiga roon at napabuntonghininga nang ma-relax.
"P-pabukas ng aircon," I mumbled and pulled my red dress, "it's hot, m-mainit. Sobrang init."
"Hmm, inom ka muna para mawala ang lasing mo." Aniya at lumuhod sa kama para painumin ako ng tubig at nang mainom ko 'yon ay basta na lang ako bumagsak sa kama.
I passed out and the next thing I am having a glimpse is his black eyes above me and my weak voice telling him to stop.
"S-stop..." I whispered and lifted my hand but he would only grip it and tears fell down my cheek because I felt so weak...because I couldn't do anything, I couldn't save myself.
"Stop!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and opened my eyes while crying and sweating hard.
"Crest!" mabilis kong inilipat ang tingin at nanginig ako nang makita ang lalaki na mabilis na napatayo sa sofa.
"D-don't..." I exclaimed and desperately moved the blanket on my body. "D-don't, p-please don't hurt me..."
"I'm not..." he then slowly lifted his hand in the air and took a step back. "I won't hurt you, I won't...It's Locket, Crest. It's Locket."
"L-Locket?" my body shook while staring at him and his gentle gray eyes softened more while staring at me.
"It's me, it's me..." he said and showed me his hands in the air. "Hindi kita sasaktan, dito lang ako..."
"Locket..." I hummed and panicking, knelt on the bed and pulled him at nakita kong nagulat siya pero mabilis akong naabot nang mahigpit ko siyang yakapin.
"S-save me..." I cried desperately. "S-sasaktan niya k-kayo, s-sasaktan niya tayo. S-save me, I'm begging you, s-save me..."
"I'll protect you," he whispered and hugged me tighter while I was sobbing hard, I heard his broken sobs too. "S-sorry, s-sorry...I should've protected you more. I-I should have. I'm sorry, C-Crest...sorry."
I felt the heavy ton inside my chest as I was shaking hard to his embrace, I felt heavy because despite the truth of him coming to me because I reminded him of her, I still felt comfortable. I still felt secured and protected that he's here...na hindi niya ako sasaktan, na hindi niya ako pipilitin kagaya no'ng ginawa ni Eugene...
I heard the door opened, napatili ako sa gulat nang mawala si Locket sa harapan ko nang hatakin siya ni Alchiel na kunot ang noo at galit na galit.
"How dare you touch my sister, you asshole?!" He growled and pushed Locket on the wall harshly.
"Alchiel!" I exclaimed loudly, tears are still falling down my cheek. "Stop it!"
"Gago ka! How dare you fucking touch my twin?!" his voice growled loudly at Locket who wasn't even moving to fight back, hinahayaan ang kambal ko sa rahas niya, tila tanggap ang suntok na ibibigay.
"Chiel!" the door opened again at napasinghap na ako nang dumating si Clyte na kunot ang noo. "What the hell are you doing?!" she hissed at napahinga na ako ng maluwang nang walang hirap niyang nahaltak paalis si Chiel at tinulak.
"He's hurting my twin, Clytemnestra!" Chiel hissed, "I'll kill him—"
"Gago ka ba?" Clyte's eyes turned slits, "wala akong pakialam kung magpatayan kayo niyang lalaking 'yan! Kung gusto niyong magsapakan, doon kayo sa labas! Hindi 'yong ipapakita niyo kay Crest!"
"But—"
"Ano, sasagot ka?!" lumakas ang boses ni Clyte at nakita ko ang pagbuntonghininga ni Chiel at umiling at sinamaan ng tingin si Locket na nakatingin lang sa akin.
"Kasalanan mo 'to!" inambahan ng kambal kong susuntukin si Locket but Clyte smacked his nape and glared.
"Isa pang sapak, Alchiel. Ipapatapon ko kayong dalawa sa labas." Mariing sabi niya at nang iritadong napasuklay ng buhok si Chiel ay suminghap na ako at bumaling kay Clyte na nakatitig na sa akin at mabilis na naglakad.
I felt relieved the moment she sat on the bed and hugged me, mabilis kong ipinikit ang mga mata at niyakap siya, ibinabaon ang mukha sa balikat.
"C-Clyte..." I whispered and she sighed and hugged me tighter.
"I love you, Crest-Crest." She whispered. "I-I love you, BFF ko. D-dito lang ako, a-ah?"
"H-h'wag mo 'ko iwan, a-ah?" my voice broke as I hugged her. "P-please don't leave me..."
"I won't," she whispered. "Dito lang ako, dito lang..."
We stayed that way for a while until I realized na kami lang ang nasa room, kaagad kong inilibot ang tingin at nagtaka.
"Si...sina Mom? Dad?" I asked and Chiel closed his eyes, sabay-sabay kaming napatingin sa pintuan nang magbukas at nakita kong pumasok si Adira na mukhang nagmamadali at nang makita ako ay umayos ng tayo.
"Ate!" she exclaimed, I saw her carrying Chichay who barked when she saw me kaya nangilid ang luha ko.
"Adi...Chichay." I called softly and she walked closer to me, nang maibaba niya si Chichay sa hita ko ay dali-dali niya akong niyakap ng mahigpit at kaagad akong nanghina nang marinig ang iyak niya.
"A-ate...Ate ko, I-I will fight for you, Ate." She whispered. "P-pagtatanggol kita, Ate. I-I will protect you..."
"Adira..." my eyes swelled. "S-salamat, salamat..." I whispered and hugged her tighter.
Napahiwalay sa akin ang umiiyak na si Adira nang muling bumukas ang pinto at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita sina Dad na hinihila papasok nina Tito Zeijan at Tito Dash. Nagsitayuan sina Chiel at Locket at nakita ko ang pasa sa mukha ni Dad.
"Tang ina, let me kill him—"
"No, Kuya! Tama na! Kumalma ka nga!" Tita Zidney hissed when my Dad was so violent and enraged.
"No! I will fucking kill that asshole—" we were all stunned when Mom appeared from somewhere and slapped Dad's cheek.
"Thallia..." I heard Tito Zeij trailed off but my Mom was heaving deep breaths and staring at my father seriously.
"Tanga ka ba?" mariing sabi ni Mom kay Dad and Dad was dumbfounded.
"T-Thallia—"
"Wake up, Iñigo!" My Mom exclaimed. "Akala ko ba abogado ka?! Why the hell are you not thinking?! Bakit...bakit palagi kang nagpapadala sa galit mo?!"
My heart fell when I saw how my Dad's vulnerable and pained blue eyes stared at my Mom's frustrated one.
"S-sinaktan nila si Crest, Thallia. I-I just wanted to see Eugene! He was hiding—"
"You were forcing yourself to them, Iñigo!" Mom's voice roared, "ang usapan, pupunta kayo para mag-file ng warrant but you went there, unarmed and tried trespassing!"
"I-I just wanted to see the asshole, Thallia! H-he hurt our daughter! G-gusto ko lang m-makita. I-I'll—"
"Gago ka ba, huh?!" Mom's desperate cries filled the room. "You attacked them without a warrant and they fucking point a gun at you! P-paano kung wala ang mga kapatid mo ro'n?! Paano kung binaril ka, huh?! Paano na 'yong mga anak mo?! P-paano na kami? Paano ako kapag wala ka, huh?!"
My hand began shaking when Dad's tears filled his cheek, Mom cried loudly and my heart fell when Dad reached for her and hugged her tighter and my eyes swelled when I heard my parents, the strongest people I know crying because of me...
"I-I'm sorry..." Dad cried while hugging my shaking mother tightly. "S-sorry, Thallia. I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry...I'm sorry..."
Adira began sobbing again, mabilis kong inabot ang kapatid ko at niyakap at si Chichay ay tahimik na tumatahol sa hita ko bago tahimik na sumiksik sa amin para dumamay.
Our family is always strong, we are always seen happy, having a great time playing, dancing and bonding around. Mama Lena told us before na ang pamilya namin ay malalim ang mga ugat na kahit anong bagyong dumaan ay nananatiling nakatayo.
Na kahit ano mang sakuna ang dumating at masugatan ang katawan ng puno, hindi mabubuwag. Leaves might flew with the harsh winds, flowers and fruits might fell, the body might get wounded, we will still stand strong because we're deeply rooted to where we are.
And the love we had for each other, simula pa kina Mama Lena at Papa Jer noon ay nanunuot sa amin. It was the family's foundation kaya ngayong sinusubok na naman ng sakuna ang aming pamilya dahil sa nangyari sa akin ay nalulungkot ako at nasasaktan.
It hurts me seeing my parents in pain, I hate seeing my strong father and brother crying. I hate it when my little sister is shaking in fear and in pain. I hurts me for I cannot shield them from pain anymore and it's killing me.
My eyes widened when the door opened and it revealed my other cousins, si Dad na nakaupo sa tabi ko at mahigpit ang hawak sa kamay ko ay napasulyap din doon mula sa pagkakasandal sa balikat ko.
"Ate Crest?!" Daru exclaimed and I smiled at them.
"Hello," I said at natawa ako at napabitaw kay Dad para yakapin ang mga pinsan na lumapit para batiin ako.
"Ayos ka lang, Ate?" Sibyl asked and I smiled and nodded.
"Of course, why naman hindi?" I even winked kaya ngumiti siya at mabilis akong niyakap.
I realized we are complete inside the room kaya napangiti na ako, napasulyap pa ako sa pintuan at natigilan nang matantong nakatayo roon sina Locket, ang nasa may gilid niya ay sina Adam, Brent at Earn kaya kumalabog ang puso ko.
I saw the sad expressions playing on my baby penguin's eyes. Si Locket ay nakatungo lang at tahimik na nakikinig. I met Earn's eyes and nakita ko ang panlalaki ng mata niya nang magkasalubong ang tingin namin. I saw him teary-eyed, gano'n din ang tatlo kaya mas sumikip ang dibdib ko. I just slowly nodded at him and looked away, afraid I'll cry again.
I saw Mom silently watching me, nakaupo siya sa tabi ko at mukhang kalmado. Chiel is staring at nowhere and my Dad's quiet beside me, pagkatapos akong yakapin ng mga pinsan ay muling humawak sa kamay ko at tahimik lang, tila takot na makuha ako mula sa kanya.
"Is it okay if we talk here right now, Crest-ganda?" It was Tito Zeij who started the talk while I'm sitting on my bed with Chichay on my lap.
"Opo, Tito Pogi." I said back to lighten the mood at nang nagtawanan na sila ay napangiti na ako.
"Alright, ganda. Kuya, ayos lang ba na dito? Or sa office? Lt. Dmitrov and the boys are here, they would conduct an investigation, okay lang ba na dito?" he asked my father.
Sumulyap ako kay Dad na tahimik sa tabi ko, mukhang walang naririnig at nakatitig sa kamay kong hawak niya kaya nakagat ko ang labi.
"Dad?" I called gently and he glanced at me and I realized his eyes are bloodshot with tears on it.
"H-hmm?"
"It's okay, Zeij. You can." It was Mom who spoke in behalf of Dad kaya ngumiti na lang ako kay Dad at umiling.
"Nothing, Dad." I smiled kaya napatitig sa akin si Dad at tumango ng marahan at sumandal muli sa balikat ko.
"S-sorry, anak ko." He whispered kaya pinigil ko ang luha ko at mas humawak na lang kay Dad.
"The video circulating online, anak, we're able to take it down as soon as we could." Ani Tito Zeij sa akin kaya napabuntonghininga na ako.
"S-salamat po, Tito." I muttered and he nodded.
"Zy's out, currently tracking the origin of the video." Aniya sa akin at si Tita Alyx ay napatango sa amin.
"We're checking the people who shared the video, Crest. Those who spread, made malicious and harmful comments, we will sue them, hmm? Cyber libel." Tit Lyx said.
"Chiel is taking it down, right?" ani Tita Zidney kay Chiel na siniko ni Adira kaya napaangat ng tingin sa kanya.
"O-opo," aniya at tumango. "Yeah," he answered, a bit disoriented too.
"We're currently waiting for the warrant for that animal." Ani Tita Reah na bumuntonghininga pa. "Bakit ang tagal, Dash?"
"Eugene's a Lt. Col. General's son, right?" ani Tito Dash na bumaling kina Locket and it was Adam who nodded and answered him dahil natutulala lang din si Locket.
"Yes, Sir. May connection sa itaas." Ani Adam.
"That's why," ani Tito Dash. "But it won't take long, right? This is an urgent matter, Zeij. Hindi p'wedeng nakalabas pa rin sa kulungan ang gago na 'yon."
"We're working it out, if that asshole has connections, we have too." Ani Tito Zeij na tumalim ang mata. "He shouldn't fuck with a Sandejas and get away with it."
Mom sighed kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya, "what can we possibly do, Zeij? I am scared of our family's safety. 'Yong anak ko, paano kung mapahamak? I am sure that asshole knew na nagsalita na si Crest, I am sure he'll try to hide or whatever."
"Don't worry, kahit wala pang warrant, he can't get out of the country." Ani Tito Zeij.
"Aerial escape won't be possible, Thallia. I made an emergency announcement to my airport and sa iba, they would watch out if Eugene would try escaping." Ani Tito Dash.
"How about water? Or land?" ani Tita Zidney pero ngumisi lang si Tito Zeij.
"Don't worry, Zidney-tot, I arranged that already. Ports or any water escapes were being watched right now by the Navy." Ani Tito Zeij, "we also made sure that land escape won't be possible for we are conducting check points."
"Is Eugene's house being watched?" Tita Zid raised her brow and Tito saluted.
"Naman, ako pa ba, Zidney-tot?" ngisi ni Tito Zeij. "Wala akong pakialam sa kung General pa ang Tatay ng hayop na 'yon, President's got our back. Once Eugene resist arrest, akong bahala."
"Yabang..." Tita Lyx smirked at him at natawa si Tito.
"Naman, Misis. Itong Mister mo hindi lang super pogi, ma-ability din." He smiled.
"Ma-ability?" Tita raised her brow.
"Maabilidad..." ani Tito kaya nangiti na ako nang kurutin siya ni Tita.
That's why this is my favorite Tito. The Tito of the century.
"We should double the security, then." Mom said seriously. "Bukod sa trabaho, may banta pang dagdag dito sa kaso ni Crest. You were being threatened too, Zid? Right?"
"Yes, Ate." Tita Zid sighed. "Nagdagdag na nga kami nina Thornie ng guards pero nakakatakot pa rin, last time, muntik nang mapasok ang opisina ni Thorn."
"We're thinking if saan 'to galing, it may be a business rival but we're not sure. We're just making sure the kids are fine." Ani Tito Thorn.
"We will add guards again," ani Tito Zeij. "Leave it to us."
"Going back to Crest's case, we should plan it thoroughly since hindi lang basta-basta ang mga Yuzon. We need statements from you, Crest, anak, okay lang ba?" ani Tita Alyx sa ngumiti sa akin kaya natigilan ako saglit pero gusto kong makatulong kaya tumango ako.
"Opo..." I sighed and nodded, "I-I'll help po in any ways I could."
"How long did that happen, Crest? How many months? Years perhaps?" Tita asked at mas humigpit ang hawak sa kamay ko ni Dad, si Mom ay napainom ng tubig.
"It's a long time ago po..." I confessed and sighed audibly. "Seven years ago, college graduation after party."
I felt how my father immediately glanced at me.
"W-what..." he muttered and I glanced at him and nodded slowly. "K-kaya po ako na-late ng u-uwi, Dad. S-sorry po..."
I saw another bunch of tears on his eyes kaya mas nanghina ako.
"G-gusto kong sabihin k-kaso po t-takot po ako." I sighed. "H-he...he said he'll k-kill you, he'll kill me..."
"F-fuck..." my father muttered hardly kaya marahan ko siyang niyakap at suminghap siyang lalo.
"I-it's my fault, it's my fault..." when he began crying again, Mom stood and went beside him to hug and calm him down, pumalit naman sa pwesto ni Mom si Adira at bumaling kina Tita.
"I was just drinking po..." I said even if it's hard for me to say, "and then when I asked na uuwi na ako, he offered to take me home tapos...h-he brought me to a..."
I sighed loudly and my sister stared at me and squeezed my hand, "it's okay, Ate. D-dito lang kami, we will protect you."
What she said fueled me, mabilis akong pumikit at bumaling sa pamilya kong matiyagang nakikinig.
"H-he brought me to a hotel po, I was disoriented po and..." I sighed again.
"Are you..." natigil ako nang biglang magsalita si Locket, nang lingunin ko siya ay seryoso siya at kunot ang noo. "Perhaps, are you wearing a red dress?"
I froze at that, kaagad na bumalik sa ala-ala ko ang damit na matagal ko nang sinunog at marahang napatango ako sa kanya.
"Y-yes, why?" I asked softly and I heard him cursed under his breath and asked again.
"D-does it have glitters?" he asked kaya nagtatakang tumango ako at napamura siya at mabilis na nilingon sina Adam na natigilan din.
"Brent..." Locket called and Brent's eyes widen as he glanced at me.
"Vista hotel ba, Madame?" he asked kaya gulat na napatango-tango ako.
"Yes. Paano niyo..."
"Si Madame 'yon?!" biglang sabi ni Earn at napamura si Locket at muli akong binalingan at bumuntonghininga.
"I...think I saw you." Ani Locket sa akin kaya umawang ang labi ko.
"H-how?" I asked and Locket cursed again, mukhang nagpa-panic na kung ano at bumaling kay Tito Zeij.
"Sir, we have to go and check on something." He said and Tito Zeij, who looks, kinda confused nodded at him.
"Alright, be back here, we will brief you about the case." Ani Tito kaya tumango-tango si Locket, hindi na bumaling at nakita kong mabilis siyang umalis, kasabay ang tatlo papalabas ng kwarto.
He...he saw me? How?
"I would take the witness stand for Crest, Tito." Ani Deion kaya gulat kaming napabaling sa kanya. "She's been asking me sleeping pills for her insomnia, I can vouch for her."
"You still have a trouble sleeping, anak?" ani Tito Thorn sa akin kaya tumango-tango ako.
"I kept on having nightmares po," I confessed and he nodded.
"Are you willing to undergo a psychological session? Or if not, I can ask some of my peers, if you weren't comfortable with boys, may mga kilala akong babae na makakatulong sa'yo—"
"I-I don't want any other people po," I said kaya natahimik sila. "I-I'm only comfortable with my family po, a-ayos na po sa akin kayo o kaya si Deion, I'm comfortable po. A-ayaw kong ibang tao."
"Alright, we can schedule that if you're ready." He smiled at me and fixed his glasses.
"For the security, ako na ang bahala. Dash would be on the escape plan Eugene would have, once we got the warrant, Eugene could either be arrested or summoned. Sina Locket na ang bahala roon. You will file a case, right?" Tito Zeij asked at kaagad akong tumango kahit na kinakabahan.
"O-opo...I want to file a case."
"There's a possibility drugs are involved so we will get involved since DEA's under us." Ani Tito. "For the case to reach the court, who would defend you?"
"Kuya?" ani Dash pero napaisip pero kaagad na sumagot si Mommy na abala sa paghaplos sa buhok ni Dad.
"No, he's a prosecutor now. I'm afraid the court would not get him involved in the prosecution because it's his daughter's case." Mom said.
"Chiel..." ani Tita Reah, "nasaan si Chiel?" aniya at sabay-sabay kaming napabaling sa sofa at nakitang nag-iisa na lang si Clyte doon na umiling sa amin.
"Sorry, he went out. He's crying. He couldn't listen properly." Ani Clyte kaya napabuntonghininga kami.
"He could be emotional but we can ask him. We could wait for him—"
"I want to stand with my sister po," sabay-sabay kaming natigilan nang tumayo si Adira at hinarap sina Tito.
"Are you sure, 'nak?" ani Tita Lyx na nagulat din, "hindi ka pa nagha-handle ng kaso sa ngayon, right? Is it okay to you?"
"Hmm..." Adira nodded and sighed loudly. "I-I may be weak hearted at things like this but this is my sister they messed up with. She's my sister at kahit lumusot pa po ako sa butas ng karayom, handa po ako. I love her so much. I wanted to protect my sister this time, Tita. G-gusto kong..."
I squeezed her hand when she sounded like crying now.
"G-gusto kong ilaban ang Ate ko, please, I hope you'll let me. I want my first case to hers." She said. "I-I'll do my best to give my sister the justice, I promise. I promise, I will."
"Of course you can do it, anak." Tita Lyx smiled and my heart felt lighter when they all nodded.
"My Adira is the strongest," ani Mom na ngumiti. "She can do it, she will protect her Ate Crest."
It was an exhausting day but it made me happy seeing my family like this, na magkakasama kaming lahat ngayon. Nga lang, nakakalungkot na dahil sa nangyari sa akin.
"Inom ka muna, Crest-Crest." Ani Clyte na naupo sa tabi ko at pinainom ako ng gatas na may marshmallows.
"Salamat, Clyte-Clyte ko." I smiled and she nodded and brushed my hair, hinayaan niya akong sumandal sa kanya.
"Saan 'yong iba?" I asked her.
"Ah, nagluluto sa baba." Aniya kaya napatango ako at ngumiti.
"A-aww, d-dahan-dahan." We both glanced when I heard my father groaning at nakita kong inaayos ni Mommy ang pasa sa pisngi at panga niya.
"Ikaw kasi, anong dahan-dahan? Tama lang 'yan sa'yo!" Mom hissed and Dad groaned.
"B-baby—"
"Ano bang nangyari? Bakit may pasa 'yan si Kuya?" ani Tita Zid doon na dinudungaw si Dad na nangingiwi sa ginagawa ni Mommy.
"Ah, nakipagsuntukan kay General." Ani Tito Dash kaya nanlaki ang mata ko at binalingan siya.
"R-really?"
"Yes, Crest. Nawalan ng composure, he was calmly asking Eugene's whereabouts tapos no'ng sinagot ng General na wala siyang alam at ayaw sabihin, nanggigil, biglang nanapak. Bulagta 'yong General." Ani Tito Dash na natawa pa roon.
"Tangek, secondary effect lang 'yon." Biglang sabat ni Tito Zeij, "wala ka kasi kanina eh, ang primary cause ng pasa sa mukha niyan 'yong punch ni Tinik."
"What?!" I heard Tito Dash exclaimed. Miski si Tita Zid ay natahimik din.
"Thorn?" her eyes widen, "you...punched Kuya?!"
"Tss, wala 'yan..." Ani Dad na nakikisawsaw pero napasinghap nang idutdot ni Mom ang cotton sa labi niya.
"Thorn?" ani Tita Zid kay Tito Thorn na parang wala lang na ngumuso at ngumisi.
"Ah, wala lang 'yon." Tito Thorn smirked at napatawa si Tito Zeij. "Gigil ako, eh."
Napangiti na ako ro'n at si Tita Zid ay suminghap.
"Pero 'di ba, nasa bucket list mo 'yan?" ani Tita Zid kaya sabay-sabay kaming napalingon sa kanya na nagtataka.
"Bucket...what?" ani Dad pero kumurap-kurap lang si Tita Zid nang tumayo si Tito Thorn at inabot siya pabalik sa sofa.
"Nah, it's okay."
"Ayaw mo...i-check?" Tita Zid asked kaya mas naguluhan kami sa dalawa.
"Nah, point five lang 'yon. Gusto ko ilista sa checklist kapag masaya akong gagawin. Hindi ko na-enjoy, eh. Gigil lang." Tito Thorn smiled sheepishly kaya natawa na ako sa kanila.
"Anong checklist?" tawa ni Tito Zeij.
"Mga pangarap niya sa buhay, ang suntukin kayo lahat." Ani Tita Zid kaya mas nagtawanan sila.
"Sus, walang mache-check diyan sa checklist mo," tawa ni Tito Dash. "Asa kang masusuntok mo 'ko." Ngisi niya.
Justice these days are so hard to get, you will undergo a lot of process and it was a long way to go. Some people, even if you're the victim would mock you, they would twist your words...the story.
They would say that it's you who liked it, kung hindi ko raw ba hanap ang lalaki, bakit ako magba-bar? Mga gago-thinker.
Can't I go to bars to enjoy? If I flirted with men...am I asking for it? No.
The society has this mindset of blaming the victims and judging them without knowing the full story. If you were harassed, sabi nila'y dahil manipis ang damit mo. If you are raped, they would say you liked it too. If you were videotaped without your consent, they would spit on you yet would start jerking themselves while asking for the whole video.
Hypocrites. Tinuringang tao pero asal demonyo.
We were born in the society filled with judgments where lies would spread like the air they breathe and the people who would judge and blame the victim are just like the perpetrator. Even worst at times.
That's why victims are silent, they would keep it a secret and hide it within themselves, suffering silently because of our society. May mga bagay na gusto mong maipaglaban pero paano naman? Kung hindi ka pa nagpapaliwanag may sinasabi na sila?
It was hard, we spent weeks to get an appointment to the hearing and it was hard giving evidences so it would be accepted to the court dahil matagal ng nangyari.
We were all stressed out that there are times we often go to Mama and Papa Jer's mausoleum to ask for guidance, like now.
"N-napapagod na ako, Clyte..." I said softly and reached for her hand. "Ayaw ko ng makita ang mukha ni Eugene but..."
"You have to be strong, Crest-Crest." Clyte smiled and touched my hair, "we needed to get justice for you, that demon has to suffer and I know it was so hard, pero kakayanin natin. If you're weak, you can get some strength from me or our family. Promise, we will do everything to protect you."
I hugged her waist and sighed, "I'm just so tired reminiscing everything, it hunts me, Clyte. P-pero kakayanin ko, p-para sa inyo, para matahimik na rin ako. B-basta ba, dito ka lang, ah?"
"Of course," she smiled at him.
"I will always be here—" we both froze and screamed when we heard a gunshot.
Halos tumilapon kami ni Clyte nang basta na lang pumreno ang sinasakyan namin.
"K-kuya?!" I called the driver, "k-kuya, what—"
"Oh my God!" Clyte screamed at nang sumulyap kami sa driver at sabay na natigilan nang makitang bumubula ang bibig niya.
"W-what..." I began panicking. "O-oh my God, s-saan ang ibang guards?! 'Di ba nakasunod 'yon?!"
Clyte was shaking as she took out her phone to dial while I was looking around at napatili ako sa gulat nang walang hirap na nabuksan ang pintuan sa side ni Clyte at hinatak siya palabas.
"Crest!"
"Clyte!" I screamed loudly, wala ng pakialam at basta na lang lumabas. "L-let her go! Why are you—" I was pushed on the ground and I gasped in shock, nakita ko ang pagpiglas ni Clyte habang nasa braso ng isang lalaking naka-mask.
"Clyte!" I screamed desperately, attempted to stand again pero hinampas ako ng lalaking 'di ko makita ang mukha kaya nadapa ako.
"C-Crest!" Clyte screamed horribly and cried. "C-Crest! Crest! H-h'wag niyo sasaktan si Crest! Let me go! Let me go!" she cried loudly at napasigaw ako nang makitang hinampas ng lalaki ng baril ang ulo ni Clyte kaya natumba siya.
"N-no!" I screamed while crying, crawling on the road to reach her. "S-saan niyo dadalhin si Clyte?! Saan?! Let her go!"
"Ang lakas mo!" the man hissed and I gasped when he kicked me kaya mas nanghina ako.
"N-no...help! Help us!" I screamed loudly at nakita kong napamura ang lalaki at mayamaya'y biglang naglakad paalis.
"Tang ina, bilis!" I heard his screamed. "Yari tayo kay Ma—"
"Crest! Crest!" I heard a voice kaya napalingon ako at nakita si Chiel na mabilis na tumakbo palapit sa akin.
"C-Chiel!" I cried. "C-Chiel, si Clyte! K-kinuha nila si Clyte!" I screamed and my twin was too quick, mabilis niyang hinabol 'yong lalaki at inambahan ng suntok.
"Clyte! Fuck!" He cursed and punched the man at nang matumba iyon ay hinabol niya ang van na nagsisimula ng umandar. "Stop! Stop the car!" he screamed frustratedly and may have felt weak, sinubukan kong tumayo.
"Chiel..." my eyes widen when I saw the man on the ground stood and pointed the gun at my brother running after the van. "Alchiel!" I screamed but I was too late, the man pulled the trigger and I saw in my very own eyes how Chiel fell on the ground when the bullet pierced his waist.
"N-no..." I gasped. "No!" I screamed loudly, halos tumakbo palapit sa lalaking bumaril pero tinignan lang ako nito habang papalapit, ngumisi bago itinutok ang baril sa sariling sentido at ipinutok.
"No!" I screamed and fell on the ground, shaking. "N-no...no..." I shook my head and sobbed.
Chiel was hurt and Clyte...they took her from us. Clyte's...gone.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen3h.Co