Kabanata 22
Kabanata 22
I couldn't speak, nanatili lang akong nakatulala sa kanya.
"Oh, and you stole something." He said, staring intently at me, his gray eyes glistening as the heat of the sun's rays touched the golden flecks it had.
"H-huh?"
"My heart." He smiled sheepishly and my heart jumped.
"Huh?!" I gasped and to my shock, he smirked.
"You expect me to say that, Ma'am, right?" he playfully raised his brow and my jaw dropped. "Not happening." He said, parang wala lang na namulsa at tumingin sa kabilang daan habang ako'y parang tanga na nakatulala sa kanya.
He stared back at me and I almost took a step back when I felt the intensity in it, para kaming tangang nagtitigan doon na walang sinabi, halos limang minute ata at kung hindi lang tumahol si Chichay ay hindi kami papaawat.
We both jumped in shock, sabay na napaiwas ng tingin at napasulyap kay Chichay na malakas ang tahol sa braso ko at nakatingin kay Locket na pinagmamasdan siya.
"I—" Chichay barked again, halos mapasinghap ako sa gulat nang mula sa braso ko ay tumalon siya, mahihimatay na sana ako sa kaba sa takot na mahulog siya sa biglaang galaw but then Locket was too quick to catch her, sinalo ito sa braso at gulat din.
"Chichay!" I gasped in shock, "you're killing me with heart attack!" I groaned but couldn't say anything the moment I heard Locket chuckled softly, parang natulos naman ako sa kinatatayuan nang makitang halos nasa balikat na ni Locket si Chichay.
"Woah! You missed me, huh?" I heard Locket muttering gently and chuckled again while trying to move his face away pero si Chichay ay dinidilaan na ang mukha niya sa excitement.
Wow...sana all.
I blinked back with what I thought at the moment, halos sampalin na ang sarili. I can see the small dimple when he smiled while moving Chichay away pero makulit ang baby namin kaya ayon at ayaw paawat.
"Alright, alright...I miss you too." He said and carried Chichay like a baby at halos lumuwa ang mata ko nang tumihaya rin ang loka, nakalabas pa ang dila at nakatingin kay Locket, tuwang-tuwa.
"Chay, come here..." I called when I noticed she's being a baby now, nakakahiya naman kay Locket at...
"Chay..." I called again and Chichay glanced at me, I showed her my sweetest smile but she just looked at me, tumahol lang ng mahina at walang pakialam na nag-iwas ng tingin at nagpalambing kay Locket.
What? Seriously, Chichay? After you made me ran like a freak in the middle of the freaking road?!
I'm your mother!
Locket then shifted his gaze back to me, mabilis ko namang inangat ang kamay ko sa ere at ipinakita sa kanya.
"What?" I saw his forehead creased while seeing me do that, nagtaka rin naman ako kaya sumagot ako.
"Aren't you suppose to cuff me or something?" I asked but he shook his head, umayos siya ng tayo, buhat pa rin si Chichay.
"No, Ma'am, until you run away." He said and stared intently again. "Would you?"
I shook my head, pouting, bigla akong nahiya sa ginawa ko kaya umayos ako ng tayo at tumikhim, hinawi-hawi pa ang sumabog na kulot na buhok dahil sa kakatakbo ko sa kalsada para sa traydor kong anak.
"Uh, illegal parking lang naman at jaywalking, ano?" I asked and glanced at my parked car, I almost cursed remembering how desperate I am for a freaking taho para mag-park kung saan.
"Yes, Ma'am." He said formally.
"'Di ba...mostly, ticket lang?" I remembered it kaya bumaling ako sa kanya. "You can just give me a ticket or something tapos babayaran ko na lang—"
"Unfortunately, I have no ticket with me, Ma'am. I'm just on my way to work." He said in a manly voice kaya halos mapasigaw lang ako.
"Gano'n naman pala, uhm..." I cleared my throat and remembered my schedule. "I have meetings to attend pa, beke nemen, officer..." pinaliit ko ang boses at ngumiti sa kanya ng alanganin.
I saw the ghost smile on his lips but when he licked his lip, it vanished immediately.
"Palagpasin mo na lang ako, uh...promise!" I raised my hand. "I promise hindi na ako magpa-park ng illegal! I was just about to buy some taho kasi and Chichay got away kaya I had no choice but to run after her—"
"Sorry but I should take action about this, as a man of law and order, I should take you to the precinct." He said kaya halos lumobo ang nguso ko.
Parang wala namang pinagsamahan!
"Ngayon lang!" I said, "good girl na ako next time—"
"No." He said in finality kaya napapikit na ako at bumaling sa kabilang kalsada at nakitang kinakawayan na ako ni Kuya na vendor ng taho.
"Can I at least get my taho?" I asked him sadly and he glanced at me briefly and nodded, inayos niya si Chichay sa kanyang braso bago bumaling.
"Let's go," he said and walked first kaya nagmamadali akong tumabi sa kanya.
I saw how he stopped the car while we're walking, inabot pa niya ang braso ko at bahagyang iniatras nang may biglaang motor na sumingit at muntik na akong mahagip.
"This isn't a fucking motorcycle lane." Mariin niyang sabi, nakita ko ang pagtitig niya sa plate number ng biglang lumitaw na motor.
His jaw clenched, his gray eyes almost darkened in irritation kaya hinawakan ko ang braso niya.
"It's okay," I said when he glanced at me.
He sighed and nodded, his other hand made its way to my forearm as he gentle covered me while stopping the cars coming our way.
Still a gentleman.
Malaki ang ngiti ni Kuya vendor nang makarating kami roon sa pwesto niya, inilalahad na niya sa akin ang taho ko kaya nangingiting inabot ko iyon.
"Naku, salamat, Kuya! Pasensya na po at natagalan, ito kasing anak ko..." turo ko kay Chichay na parang wala lang na nagpapasarap sa braso ng Tatay niya na nakatitig sa kanya at hinahaplos ang ulo niya.
Traydor na Chichay!
"Ayos lang, Ma'am! Pauwi na rin naman ako at ikaw ang last customer ko." I smiled and sipped on my taho. He glanced at Chichay and Locket then chuckled. "Napaka-cute nga naman ng aso mo, kanina ang Mommy lang ang kasama tapos kapag balik may Daddy na."
Halos mabuga ko sa gulat ang taho, napaubo ako ng malakas kaya nanlaki ang mata niya.
"Ma'am—"
Kaagad na natigilan si Locket, his one hand reached for my back and I almost shivered at that kaya umiwas ako at umiling-iling sa kanila, natatawa pa kahit halos pumasok na ang taho sa ilong ko.
"I-I'm okay!" I gasped and chuckled. "A-ayos lang...ayos lang."
Locket's forehead creased, miski si Chichay ay naaalarmang nakatingin na sa akin pero halos ngiwian ko siya.
Ngayon, nag-aalala ka? Pagkatapos mo akong traydurin, Chichay?!
"Ayos lang kayo, Ma'am?" ani ni Kuya vendor kaya ngumiti ako at tumango, "y-yeah, salamat po, Kuya."
He nodded and smiled, he bid his goodbye to me kaya tumango ako habang kumakaway, sinasabi sa kanya na masarap ng super ang taho na benta niya. Nang makalayo na siya ay muli akong bumaling sa tabi ko at nakitang wala na roon si Locket at Chichay.
My eyes widened, biglang may naisip kaya napahawak ako sa scarf ko.
Don't tell me...don't tell me he kidnapped Chichay?!
I began panicking, mabilis kong inilibot ang tingin ko, sisigaw na sana para tawagin si Chichay pero natigilan nang makita kong nasa kabilang parte ng daan sila ni Locket.
From here, I can see Locket talking to a vendor in his blue police uniform. The uniform, as always, suits him greatly. Hapit na hapit ang damit sa kanyang katawan, his shoulders are broad and his muscles are in the right places, making him look edible in it.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa pants niya at halos mamilog ang mata ko nang matitigan ang sexy booty niya sa pants. And oh! Not to mention the bakat—
I froze when I realized Chichay has been staring at me, naroon siya sa balikat ni Locket at nakadungaw sa akin. She's cute, alright, but right now, she's looking at me like I'm a sinful individual for staring at Locket's round ass!
Mabilis kong naubos ang taho at itinapon para ikalma ang sarili.
Nang mapansing umayos na ng tayo si Locket, I shifted my position. I pretended not to care while staring at him walk from the other side of the road toward me.
"Here," he said and offered something at nakita ko ang mineral water sa kamay niyang inilalahad sa akin.
My heart pounded, suddenly, a memory flashed in my mind. Our first meeting...sa Baguio. I also went there for taho. I even went to a convenience store and bought some water, I think?
"Sorry, they have no sparkling water in there." He said kaya mabilis akong umiling at inabot ang tubig na ibinibigay niya.
"Okay lang!" I almost said in a high-pitched voice kaya nahiya ako. "I mean, I drink bottled water naman, 'di ba?"
Hindi siya sumagot kaya binuksan ko ang tubig para uminom. I was drinking directly with him in front of me at nang mabawasan ko ang tubig ay ibinaba ko ang bottle para ipakita sa kanyang hindi ako maarte sa tubig but then I realized he's been staring at me intently, as if memorizing my face kaya nagitla ako at nabuga ng kaunti ang tubig.
"Oh my!" I gasped when I realized a few drops of water from my mouth landed on his cheek. "Shit! I'm sorry!" I exclaimed, nagkukumahog na kinuha ang panyo sa bag pero inabot niya ang braso ko kaya natigilan ako at binalingan siya.
"It's okay," he said pero nag-init ang pisngi ko sa hiya ng katangahan ko ngayong oras na ito. Even Chichay is looking at me like I'm such a disgrace kaya halos mabaliw lang ako sa hiya.
"No, nakakahiya!" I said and took my pink hanky from my small pouch and lifted it to dry the drops of water on his cheek. "Sorry, I was shocked because you're staring," I muttered while drying his cheek.
I was busy making sure there is no drops left pero napansin ang titig niya kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya. Our eyes met again and I felt weirdly giddy.
It was he who looked away and tilted his neck.
"Dito rin," he said kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
"Huh?"
"May...tubig din sa leeg ko." Aniya kaya napamura ako sa isipin.
You're such a disgrace, Crest! Ang binuga mo, umabot sa leeg niya?!
"Okay..." I muttered and dried his neck, his perfume attacked my nose more when I moved closer while drying his neck, wala naman akong nakitang basa pero s'yempre baka mayro'n at lutang lang ako kaya pinunasan ko pa rin. "Okay na—"
"My jaw too," he said kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya, hindi siya nakatingin kaya bumaling ako sa panga niya.
I almost gulped when his prominent jaw's on my view right now. Napalunok ako at napatitig doon at wala namang tubig kaya inangat ko ng bahagya ang chin niya.
I felt him stiffened but I was so eager to dry his jaw for any remaining droplets to ease my embarrassment kaya marahang pinunasan ko iyon kahit wala naman akong makita.
"Done," I said and lowered my hand pero humarap siya sa akin. Our nose almost touched when he moved his face to face me kaya napaatras ako sa gulat.
"Sa..." he lifted my hand with the hanky and pointed his cheek near his lips. "Dito pa."
"O-okay..." I said softly and gulped. I felt something weird inside my stomach with our proximity. It made my heart flutter.
We heard a bark kaya napahiwalay kaming dalawa sa isa't-isa, sabay na napasulyap kay Chichay na nasa isang braso ni Locket.
She glanced at Locket and back to me then slowly, ngumanga na parang nang-aasar, inilabas pa ang dila niya at pinakitaan kami ng pangil niya.
"Chichay!" I gasped. I heard Locket laugh and glance at me. "You take her first, I gotta call someone to tow your car."
"O-okay..." I said and carried Chichay na mukhang ayaw pa humiwalay kay Locket dahil sinundan pa ito ng tingin.
When Locket turned his back at us, napakurap-kurap ako. He slipped his hand inside his pocket, his manly and athletic stance was emphasized when he stood to call.
"Cliché ba, Chay?" I muttered and my baby just stared at me. "Ikaw ha, traydor ka."
She just showed me her fangs kaya ngumuso na ako. "Naku, kung hindi lang kita love. Ayan tuloy, takbo-takbo ka pa, hindi tuloy tayo makakapunta sa meeting, may multa pa tayong dalawa. Tss, pang-new kikay dress mo pa 'yong gagastusin nating dalawa."
Chichay then cling on me, naglalambing kaya napangiti na ako at niyakap siya.
"Okay, okay, I'm not mad naman," I said and touched her head.
Napatitig ako kay Locket at kaagad na napaiwas ng tingin, nahihiya pa rin dahil nakakahiya ako ngayong oras na ito sa harapan niya.
Damn it, the classy Crest Veronica was seen running on the street with a full kikay outfit and kulot hair and heels pa stopping vehicles while running like a freak on the road and he'd seen it! Nabulunan pa ako ng taho at nabugahan siya ng tubig!
Really, Crest? You'd last seen him for almost a year ago na and now, you're panicking?!
"We should head to the precinct," he said kaya napatango ako at bumaling sa car ko.
"Kailangan ba talaga ipa-tow? I mean, I can drive to the precinct, convoy na lang." I said and he shook his head.
"It's in need to be towed, Ma'am." He said formally and it felt unreal but that Ma'am from his lips brought back the memories before.
"Okay, uh, hindi ba nakakahiya?" I muttered and he shook his head as he glanced on his car on the other side of the road.
"No, come on. We should go." He said kaya tumango na ako.
He assisted us while crossing the roads and my throat dried up when I got inside his car again for the very first time. His familiar perfume reached my nose, si Chichay ay nanatiling nakatayo sa hita ko habang si Locket ay isinasara ang pintuan sa pwesto ko bago umikot papunta sa driver's seat.
Our eyes met when he got inside, napatitig siya sa mata ko bago tumikhim.
"Seatbelts," he said.
"Okay," I said, fixing the seatbelts on me when Chichay barked loudly. Napansin kong halos talunin niya ang dashboard kaya suminghap na ako.
"Chay, calm down, wala tayo sa car ko—" I froze on the spot when I realized what is it she was trying to reach.
"O-oh my...Ping-ping!" I exclaimed loudly and my heart thumped loudly.
Mabilis kong nilingon si Locket at nakita kong nakatingin siya sa akin.
"You can get her," he said. "Mabango 'yan, bagong ligo."
Without hesitations, I reached for Ping-ping, I hugged her and chuckled, kaagad kong inamoy pa at napansing mabango nga.
"She's using your perfume too?!" I gasped. Locket's lips curved for a smirk, bumaling siya sa daan at pinaandar ang sasakyan.
"I'm bathing her monthly, para mabango." He said kaya umawang ang labi ko, si Chichay ay inaamoy na si Ping-ping kaya mas napangiti ako nang matantong malinis na malinis si Ping-ping na akala mo'y bagong-bago pa rin.
"T-thank you," I muttered and touched Ping-ping's cheek. "Thank you for taking care of her."
"That's what fathers are supposed to do, right?" he said kaya nakagat ko ang labi ko. "I am sure you'll be frustrated if Ping-ping's dirty so I am cleaning her always, sumasama nga 'yan palagi sa trabaho, malungkot siya kapag mag-isa sa condo."
Bigla akong natawa, sumulyap siya sa akin sa may rear-view mirror at kaagad akong natigilan nang makita ang kislap sa mata niya.
"Does that make you happy?"
"S'yempre naman!" bumaling muli ako kay Ping-ping sa braso ko at si Chichay ay nakasandal na sa tiyan ni Ping-ping kagaya ng ginagawa niya noon.
"We're both waiting to see her mother and her sister so...we should always be presentable, para 'di naman nakakahiya." He said kaya napasandal na ako sa upuan at pinagmasdan ang dalawa sa hita ko.
I did my best to stop my smile.
Kumalma ka, Crest Veronica!
"Are you...happy seeing me—I mean," he cleared his throat. "Seeing Ping-ping?"
"Uu nemen..." pati ikaw, officer...hehe.
I muttered at nang natawa siya ng mahina ay nakagat ko ang labi at kumunot ang noo.
Grabe naman, Crest Veronica? Ano 'yan? Kalandian?!
Fuck, akala ko kahoy lang ang marupok...ako rin pala!
No! No, matatag ka! Lumaban ka, Sandejas! Kumalma kang babae ka!
We didn't speak throughout the ride, napasulyap lang ako sa bag nang marinig ang ring at inabot iyon.
Von calling...
Oh, shit! My meeting!
I immediately answered the call.
"I'm sorry, Von!" I said immediately when I answered the call.
"Why? What happened? You're late, Crest. Did something happen?"
"Sorry, hindi ako makakapunta today." I sighed.
"Why? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" I sensed the worry in his voice. "I will tell them na hindi ka makakapunta, it's okay. Nasaan ka? Do you need help?"
"I'm okay, Von." It made me smile, "I just had a road problem, ano, nagkaproblema sa pagkaka-park kaya nahuli."
"What?" I heard his chuckle kaya natawa ako. "Crest Veronica Sandejas, nahuli sa illegal parking?"
"Oh, and jaywalking too!" I laughed, natatawa sa nangyari. "I'm actually on my way to the precinct, Von. Pina-tow ang car ko, eh. I'm just gonna pay the damages and I'm done."
Napasulyap ako kay Locket nang mapansin na kanina pa siya sumusulyap pero ang tingin niya ay nasa daan na. He's seriously driving, malamig ang tingin sa daan.
"Do you have something to ride home? Ako na ang makikipag-usap dito on your behalf and after this, I can fetch you."
"Really?!" I asked, giggling.
"Hmm, isa pa, pagkarating ko si Dad naman ang susunduin ko. He's on your mansion now, talking with your Mom. Kakarating lang mula sa States." He said, referring to Tito Vaughn, his Dad, kaibigan ni Mommy.
"Alright! Thanks, Von! You're the best!" I chuckled. "I'm just gonna send you the address."
"Alright, I missed you, Crest. Ako magre-represent sa 'yo ngayon so, you owe me a dinner?" he asked playfully and I chuckled.
"Hmm, sure. We'll dine. I miss you too." I smiled.
After we said our goodbyes, napasulyap ako sa dalawa na nasa hita ko. Chichay is now quietly resting on Ping-ping's stomach kaya napangiti ako.
"Malapit na tayo?" I asked Locket who's now very silent. He nodded briefly, seryoso ang tingin sa daan kaya napakurap na ako at nagtaka.
Sungit!
He's always silent before kaya pansin kong gano'n na naman siya ngayon. It was as if he's thinking of something deeply.
Napalunok ako nang makita ang pamilyar na presinto kung nasaan ako naglalagi noon, I remembered how I almost lived in here before for work and just simply to bond with the boys.
Oh, my baby penguins!
Kumalabog ang puso ko sa naisip at biglang na-excite.
I saw Locket parked his car, walang-imik siyang lumabas at lalabas na rin sana ako pero mabilis siyang nakapunta sa pwesto ko at binuksan ang pintuan.
"Thanks," I said softly when he assisted me to go down the car because I was carrying both Chichay and Ping-ping.
He took my pouch to help me, ngumiti naman ako at kaagad na napansing hindi na siya masyadong umiimik kagaya kanina. He's silent as we walk side by side towards the precinct and I was bothered at that pero hindi ako nagsalita.
What do I even expect? We haven't seen each other for almost a year...ever since the trial, I know we parted peacefully pero s'yempre, gano'n talaga siguro.
And...I'm sure we both moved on from the past. I have my own life now, I am living my long-time dream and I think he is too. After this incident, I don't think our paths would cross again.
If it wasn't for Chichay, impossibleng magkita talaga kami. Talagang may pagkatraydor lang ito Chichay na ito kaya ganito.
"Lieutenant Colonel!" I was shocked when the policemen immediately saluted when they saw Locket approaching and my eyes widened.
Lieutenant Colonel? Oh...my God. He's a superintendent now?!
I saw how he nodded coldly, nakita kong napasulyap sa akin ang mga pulis kaya awkward na ngumiti lang ako at sumunod kay Locket sa paglalakad habang buhat sina Chichay at Ping-ping.
I saw how he walked towards a desk and the policewoman immediately rose and saluted.
"Lt. Col." The lady they greeted and saluted, I saw how her eyes twinkled while staring at Locket who nodded kaya ibinaba niya ang kamay.
"PO1 Lagan, can you please assist Miss Sandejas?" He said. "Just illegal parking and jaywalking."
"Oh! Okay!" she said and glanced at me, smiling. "Ma'am, dito po tayo." She pointed the plastic chair kaya napatango-tango ako at naupo roon.
"Will you be alright here?" he suddenly asked while staring at me kaya tumikhim ako at tumango.
"Yeah," I said and he stared at me briefly before nodding.
"You can call me if you need something, I'll be there." He said before glancing at the policewoman staring at him while smiling brightly, kumunot ang noo ko. "PO1, take care of her here. I'll go to my office."
"Okay po, Lt. Col." She said and Locket didn't say anything, tumalikod pagkatapos sumulyap sa akin ng bahagya at umalis.
I bit my lower lip, hinaplos ko si Chichay na iniikot ang tingin sa paligid ng presinto.
"Hello, Ma'am, good afternoon po. Pasagutan na lang po muna nito para sa details n'yo," aniya at may inabot sa aking papel.
I smiled and nodded, bumaling ako sa babae at nakita ang ngiti niya sa akin. She looks soft, pretty and angelic.
"Hi, thank you, officer. Anong name mo?" I asked.
"Ah, Lauren na lang, Ma'am." She said and glanced at the office where Locket is. "Nakita po ba kayo ni Lt. Col.? Sa daan?"
I pouted and nodded, nagsagot ako no'ng papel na ibinigay niya ng infos ko.
"Oo, eh."
"Ay, naku, malas na s'werte ka, Ma'am!" she said kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya. "Why naman?"
"Malas kasi si Lt. Col. ang nakakita sa 'yo, lalo na kapag papunta siyang trabaho. Wala kasing pinapalagpas iyan, minsan kahit off-duty basta makakita ng violators sa kalsada o ano lalapitan niya. Madalas papatawag ng officer on-duty kaya kapag tumunog na ang telepono roon sa may office, natatakot na sila kasi baka si Lt. Col. 'yon."
I chuckled and nodded, giving the paper back to her, remembering he was off-duty when he caught us overspeeding in Baguio.
"Oo nga, eh. Bakit naman s'werte?" I asked and she chuckled, glancing at my paper.
"S'yempre, si Lt. Col. 'yan, naalala ko no'ng bago pa lang ako rito, daming nagpapahuli kuno kasi siya raw ang huhuli." She chuckled kaya nanlaki ang mata ko. "May nasiraan nga riyan, 'di naman totoo, dahilan nila para makapunta rito, gusto mag-asikaso pa si Lt. Col."
"Oh?!" my brow lifted. "Inasikaso ba naman niya?"
"S'yempre, masungit 'yan pero kapag mga taong nangangailangan ng tulong, tutulong talaga. He's annoyed nga kasi may nagpanggap pang nahimatay sa sobrang init no'ng tumirik ang sasakyan daw kunwari, akala ata si Lt. Col, ang sasalo kaya ayon natumba sa kalsada." She said kaya napatawa na ako. "G'wapo 'no? Sabagay, kung ako rin, papahuli talaga ako!"
Hindi ko alam kung tatawa ako o magpo-pokerface bigla sa sinabi niya.
"'Di ba, Ma'am...Crest?" she said while reading my name. "Si Lt. Col., kompletos rekados! Gwapo na, cold tapos mukhang masungit pero busilak ang loob—oh my!" she said kaya napasulyap ako sa kanya.
"Why?"
"Crest...Crest Veronica of Crescent Shines?!" she suddenly gasped kaya nagulat ako pero napatango.
"Uh, yeah?"
"OMG!" her eyes brightened. "OMG, Ma'am Crest! I'm such a fan!" she gasped kaya nagulat ako nang napatayo siya para yakapin ako.
Pinagtinginan na kami, natawa ako roon pero natuwa kaya mabilis ko siyang niyakap pabalik.
"Nakilala mo pala, ako, naku, nakakahiya naman at sa presinto pa..." I covered my mouth and she just giggled, mabilis siyang bumalik sa upuan at sumulyap sa akin.
"I'm a fan! I have a lot of clothes from you! I am even waiting for your fashion week!" She said happily, nagulat pa ako nang may i-abot siya sa aking papel. "A-ah, nakakahiya but...p'wede pa-autograph?"
It made my cheeks flushed, I was still not accustomed to things like this kaya nahihiya pa pero s'yempre ay pinirmahan ko pa rin ang papel na ibinigay niya. She even asked me to take a selfie with her which I obliged, mukha man akong sabog ay ayos lang.
Talking to her made me smile, hindi ko ramdam na nasa presinto ako dahil madaldal siya habang nakikipagkwentuhan sa akin.
I noticed Locket walking back and forth, nadadaanan kami. Papasok sa banyo, susulyap saglit paglabas pabalik sa opisina niya tapos lalabas ulit.
Nagtatae ba 'to? Pabalik-balik sa CR?
"Ah, pagpasensyahan mo na si Lt. Col., Ma'am." Ani Lauren kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya.
"Hmm?"
"Uh...nakakahiya naman sabihin pero, close naman na tayo, 'di ba, Ma'am?" she muttered kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya at tumango.
"Oo, it's okay and it's just Crest." I said softly. "Okay lang, ano 'yong sasabihin mo?"
Her cheeks flushed, nakagat niya ang labi at tumikhim.
"A-ah, ano kasi, crush ako ni Lt. Col." She said and my eyes widened.
"R-really?" I asked, feeling how my throat started drying up.
"Oo," she giggled, "p-pero secret lang muna, kaya pabalik-balik 'yan."
I felt something on my chest, tumikhim ako at umayos ng upo.
"Paano mo nalaman?" I asked, calming myself and she pouted.
"Uh, I overheard them talking, kasama sina Colonel." She said kaya napatikhim ako at ngumiti.
"Gano'n ba? That's...that's good to hear! Bagay kayo!" I cheered.
"Really?! Thank you, Crest! I trust your taste! Mabuti na lang at nakilala kita rito!" she smiled softly and I nodded, smiling a bit, hinaplos ko si Chichay na tahimik na nakatingin kay Lauren, labas na ang pangil kaya iniwas ko ang mukha niya sa takot na baka biglang manakmal.
"Ah, sina Brent, Adam at Earn?" I asked. "Nandito sila?"
She stopped and glanced at me, "how did you know them?"
"Well, actually, I used to work here," I muttered. "I'm Lt. Colonel's assistant before."
"O-oh? Really? Sana all!" she gasped in a small voice. "Wow! Ang galing, so ito ang sinasabi mo sa interviews mo na dating work mo?"
I nodded and smiled.
"Wow! Ang galing! Sana all naging assistant ni Lt. Col.! Sina Lieutanant, Colonel at Captain kasi nasa fieldwork ngayon, Crest." She said at hindi ko alam kung magugulat ako sa ranggo nila o malulungkot dahil wala sila ngayon.
"They got promoted?" I asked softly and she nodded at me.
"Hmm! They were awarded din." She said. "Sayang nga at wala sila, umalis kasi 'yong tatlo, mababait 'yon, ano?" I saw her glanced at my lap and she stopped.
"Hala, is that Ping-ping?!" she suddenly pointed my baby kaya gulat akong tumango sa kanya.
"Yeah, you know her?" I smiled and she nodded, amazed.
"Yes, 'yan 'yong anak ni Lt. Col.!" she chuckled. "He always brings that penguin with him."
"O-oh," I nodded and smiled pero kaagad na nawala iyon nang biglang tumalon si Chichay mula sa hita ko, tatayo na sana ako para humabol sa kanya but she immediately jumped on someone.
Napaupo ako pabalik nang matantong kaya pala tumakbo ay nakita si Locket na papalapit na naman. I saw him carried Chichay like a baby, he walked towards me, striding handsomely and my heart thumped.
His intense gray eyes stared at me intently as he walked closer with Chichay in his arms.
"Kumain ka na?" he asked while staring when he got closer and I smiled and nodded.
"Oo—"
"A-ah, oo, Lt. Col." Nawala ang boses ko nang maunahan na ako ni Lauren, sumulyap ako sa kanya at namumula na siya. "Salamat sa pagtatanong, busog pa ako, eh."
Locket glanced at her and nodded nonchalantly before glancing at me.
"Kumain ka na, Ma'am?" he asked me naman kaya tumikhim ako at tumango.
"U-uh, yes. Si...Lauren din, kumain na." I pointed Lauren na ngumiti kay Locket.
Locket nodded, I saw how he licked his lower lip and touched Chichay's head.
"Alright, are you still waiting for someone?" he asked kaya tumango ako sa kanya.
"Oo, may sundo ako," I said and his brow raised but he cleared his throat and nodded, carrying Chichay.
"Alright, while you're waiting, let me take care of our daughter first." He said, hindi na ako inantay na magsalita at inayos ng buhat si Chichay, hinalikan at hinarot na habang naglalakad palayo.
"Close pala kayo ni Lt. Col.?" Lauren then asked me kaya sumulyap ako sa kanya at marahang tumango.
"Medyo, kasi noon, 'di ba, dito ako nag-work." I said and she nodded and glanced at my lap again.
"Ah, kami rin close." She said. "Nahihiya nga iyan sa akin, ngayon lang nagkalakas ng loob na tanungin kung kumain na ba ako."
"Oh, I see." I smiled a bit because I was suddenly feeling awkward.
"Si Ping-ping? Minsan dito 'yan sa desk ko, eh." She said and reached for Ping-ping, nagulat ako roon pero hinayaan ko na. "Kapag kasi umaalis si Lt. Col. dito 'to sa akin. Ako na magbabalik kay Lt. Col., ah? Crest? Para 'di na siya maabala."
"No," I said and smiled firmly, gently taking Ping-ping from her grip. "Ako na magbabalik kay Locket ng anak namin."
Her smile vanished, kumunot ang noo niya pero mayamaya'y ngumiti sa akin.
"Alright, I was just suggesting." She said kaya ngumisi na lang ako at hinaplos ang baby Ping-ping namin ni Locket.
It was an awkward silence after, Lauren didn't speak with me after that kaya hinayaan ko na. I busied myself texting Von my address, I informed Dad my whereabouts, sinabi kong may inasikaso lang muna dahil nakakahiya naman kung sasabihin kong nasa presinto ako. Baka biglang magpadala iyon ng isang batalyong abogado para pasundo ako. Takot ko lang.
Lauren left without saying anything, probably for lunch, she's a good person pero medyo nag-alangan na ako no'ng pagkaalis ni Locket at Chichay ay medyo seryoso na siya kaya hinayaan ko na.
"Here..." napaangat ako ng tingin nang may magsalita at nakita si Locket sa harapan ko.
"Locket," I called and he sat in front of me after pulling a plastic chair, napansin kong may hawak siyang plastic, inilapag niya iyon sa desk ni Lauren at may inilabas na styro.
"Eat," he said and I bit my lip upon seeing my favorite garlic rice, 'yong palagi kong kinakain noon dito sa presinto atsaka 'yong ulam na gusto ko.
"Thank you pero kumain na kasi ako." I said, natatakam sa pagkain pero may hiya naman ako.
"You're hungry," he said kaya natigilan na ako at hinarap siya.
"I'm not—"
"I know your face when hungry, Ma'am." He said and moved the styro towards me. "Eat, hindi magandang nagpapalipas ng gutom."
I gulped, staring at the delicious foods. "Uh, busog ako pero pinipilit mo akong kumain kaya sige." I said and took the styro.
I heard his soft chuckle, nang balingan ko siya ay tumikhim siya at hinaplos ang ulo ni Chichay na chill na chill sa hita niya.
"Where's her leash?" he asked, "show me, I'll fix it."
I took her leash and gave it to him, nakita ko namang kumunot ang noo ni Locket nang i-abot ko sa kanya ang leash ni Chichay.
"You should change this to something stronger, mahina ang kawit." He pointed the damaged part kaya nakawala si Chichay. "And next time, don't just ran across the road with running cars like that, paano kung naaksidente ka, Sandejas?"
Natigil ako sa pag-nguya at nilunok ang kinakain ko at nakitang mukhang iritado siya. "Chichay just ran away, Locket, what am I supposed to do? Paano kung hindi ko hinabol si Chichay? Edi nasagaan ang anak natin?"
He froze, nagkatitigan kami. I saw how his lip protruded for a smile but he immediately hid it at nag-init naman ang pisngi ko kaya sumulyap ako sa pagkain ko at sumubo ng marami para maging abala.
"But still, you should take care too. Kayong dalawa ng anak...natin." He said at napaubo ako no'ng parang pumasok ang kanin sa ilong ko.
"Crest—"
"I-I'm okay!" I showed him a thumbs-up and covered my face. "A-ayos lang!"
His forehead just creased, mabilis niyang binuksan ang bottled water sa gilid niya at inabot sa akin kaya pagkakuha ko ay halos lunurin ko lang ang sarili sa tubig sa kahihiyan.
Baliw na ako. Nababaliw na ata ako!
We were silent as I finished my foods, siya rin ay tahimik pero mayamaya'y sumusulyap at kapag hinuhuli ko siyang nakatingin ay bumabaling siya sa leash ni Chichay at inaayos muli kahit maayos naman na ata.
"Here," he said when he's done fixing it. Ikinabit niyang muli ang leash ni Chichay sa leeg nito kaya ngumuso ako at uminom ng tubig.
"Salamat," I muttered. "Uh, pati na rin sa foods, pasensya na nga lang kasi ano...nag-illegal parking ako tapos jaywalking."
"It's okay, you should just be careful next time—"
"Crest! Are you okay?" kaagad na naputol ang boses ni Locket nang may magsalita, pagkalingon ko ay napangiti na ako nang makita si Von.
"Von!" I cheered and stood, he chuckled when I ran to him and hugged him.
"Musta, ganda? You okay? What happened?" he asked while hugging me, he touched my hair before moving away.
"I'm good na." I smiled at him, "I settled it, papakuha ko na lang kay Chiel ang car ko."
He smiled handsomely, his black eyes twinkled while looking at me.
"That's good, ayos na rin ang meeting. Are you okay now? Should we go back to your mansion?" he asked and fixed my hair.
"Yes," I muttered and smiled. "Papaalam muna ako—" I stopped when I realized Locket isn't here anymore.
Chichay was standing next to me na with her pink sparkling leash, Ping-ping's on my hand, and I bit my lower lip and smiled at Von.
"Wala na pala," I said and took Chichay's leash, "tara na!"
Carrying Ping-ping and Chichay's on my other hand, we walked out of the precinct, dala-dala ni Von ang pouch ko habang naglalakad kami patungong sasakyan nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko.
Hindi ko na sana papansinin dahil baka imagination ko lang but a grip on my arm stopped me, mabilis akong lumingon at pumilantik ang puso nang makitang si Locket iyon at nakatitig sa akin.
"Locket..."
"Sorry, I'm just gonna take Ping-ping again." He said and stared at my hands kaya suminghap ako at sumulyap kay Ping-ping.
"H-huh? Uh, sa akin na lang muna—"
"No," he gently took Ping-ping from my hand. "She's under my custody, Ma'am."
I saw how Von stopped too while looking at us.
"But..."
"If you want to see our daughter then see us, hindi ako papaya na kikitain mo ang anak natin kapag hindi ako kasama." He told me kaya umawang lang ang labi ko.
"A-are you serious?"
"Hmm," his lip twitched, "I'll go see you if I want to see Chichay and you'll go see me if you missed Ping-ping. Parental guidance is a must, Ma'am." He said wickedly and before I could even talk back, he bid his goodbye to Chichay, glanced at Von coldly before jogging away from me while lifting Ping-ping's little hand.
"Bye, Chichay! Bye, Mama Pinga!" he exclaimed while showing me Ping-ping's tiny hand. Nakanganga lang ako sa kanya.
I was stunned our whole ride home, Von was even asking me about him pero hindi ko lang masagot dahil sa gulat sa nangyari ngayong araw na ito.
When I got home, I saw Tito Vaughn laughing with Mom on the living room and I greeted him when I got there. Nakipag-kwentuhan muna ako sa kanila kasama si Von at sina Adira pero naputol lang ang masasayang tagpo nang dumating sina Tito Thorn, Zeij at Dash bitbit ang Tatay kong halos tulog na.
"What the hell?" Mom gasped when he saw Dad.
"Sorry, Thallia. Alam mo na at hindi raw siya madaling malasheng!" Tito Zeij made a funny voice kaya natawa na ako.
"Selos," ani Tito Dash at si Tito Thorn ay sumesenyas doon pero 'di makapagsalita dahil ang kamay ni Dad sa batok niya ay halos masakal na siya sa higpit.
"Why would he be jealous?" I heard Mom asked in a small voice kaya natawa na rin ako.
"Ki-kish..." Dad spoke and opened his drunk eyes. "Kiss niya ikaw sa cheeks!" he groaned and our eyes widened.
"Shit!" Mom cursed and waved at the living room. "Wait lang, ayusin ko lang 'to!" she said and we took Dad upstairs to their room while he was in tantrums.
"K-kiss niya baby ko! S-sa cheeks! Kita ko!" he groaned loudly kaya napabughalit na ako ng tawa. Halos mamatay naman kakatawa ang mga Tito ko at si Mom ay naiiling na lang pero nangingisi.
"Come on, baby, Vaughn's my friend, normal lang naman ang beso 'di ba—"
"No! S-sasakit ang heart ko!" Dad's eyes opened widely and he sniffed. "S-seselos ako..."
It was a funny mess, really. Nang umuwi sina Tito ay tawang-tawa sila, ani nila'y biglang nag-aya ng inuman si Dad dahil nga nandito si Tito Vaughn at nakita raw niya na kiniss ang Mom sa cheeks at s'yempre, isang baso lang ata ay wala na siya sa sarili kaya inasikaso sila ni Mom.
Tito Vaughn and Von had to leave after for some things to do, si Mom naman ay nakakulong sa kwarto kasama ang Dad dahil nagda-drama raw 'yan kapag lasing. Chiel is in work again, as usual and Adi had an emergency work kaya pumayag na ako nang mag-aya ang team ko na mag-bar kami ngayong gabi para mag-chill lang.
Nagpaalam ako kay Mommy kanina, I told her I'll go home to my place later after partying at pumayag siya, saying na mag-message lang ako.
I was on my way downstairs when I thought I should tell Mom I'm going na kaya pumunta ako sa kwarto nila at kumatok.
"Mom?" I asked and knocked but no one answered.
Kumunot ang noo ko, I twisted the knob and opened it a bit when I heard a voice.
"C-Crest?! Ikaw ba 'yan, 'nak?" I heard Mommy's voice.
"Po? Opo, My, aalis na po sana ako papuntang bar?" I said. "I will stay at my place after, I will text you po for updates."
"Alright," I heard her faint voice.
"Love you, My, una na po ako—"
"U-uh, Crest!" she suddenly called kaya nangunot ang noo ko.
"Po?"
"U-uh...can you go inside our room? May...may papasuyo lang sana." She said and I nodded a bit, opened the Master's bedroom to comply but to my horror, I saw something.
My Mom, in her brassiere and pajamas, was tied on the bed and my father was sleeping soundly beside her.
"W-what the fuck?!" I gasped and Mom glanced at me and smiled awkwardly.
"Help?" she muttered and chuckled shyly.
"Oh my God, Mom!" I covered my mouth, mabilis na sinarado ang pinto at tinakbo ang kama nila. "Is he seriously sleeping?"
"Yeah, d-don't tell this to anyone okay? Secret lang." Mom cleared her throat and while I'm untying her hands ay nakagat ko ang labi ko. "Don't laugh, Crest Veronica." She warned. "Just don't—"
"Grabe naman, parents! Ang kinky!" I exclaimed and burst out laughing when my Mom screamed in embarrassment while blushing so hard.
It was so fun, kahit nasa kotse ata ay tawang-tawa pa rin ako habang naiisip ang exhibition ng mga magulang ko sa kwarto.
Super rawr, huh?! Bet na bet nila ang patali sa headboard! Woah, maybe I could try it some time? Kapag may jowa na akong nakilatis ko ng mabuti ang bakat?
I had fun with my team on the bar, just partying and talking about our design ideas and I am expecting a peaceful night, kung hindi lang nag-away ang isang member ng team ko at ang babaeng kasama ng boyfriend niya na nahuli niya sa bar na nangangabit.
I tried calming them down, ayaw kong mapahamak, s'yempre at team ko 'yan. Umaawat lang naman akong matiwasay pero nagulat na lang ako nang hinila rin ng kabit ang buhok ko.
"What the hell?" I gasped when I realized my curls had been ruined! "Umaawat lang ako rito—"
"Ipokrita ka, isa ka pa! Pangit naman ng designs mo!" she exclaimed at napasigaw na ako sa gulat nang madamay ako sa sabunutan at sa galit ko dahil nasira na ang curls ko at nahila pa ang damit ko kaya nagkapunit ay nairita na ako.
"You ruined my curls and dress!" I gasped loudly and pulled her hair back at nagkarambulan na lahat sa dancefloor. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, the peace I am looking for vanished because right now, I'm also on my way to the precinct.
"Nadamay lang ako, okay?!" I muttered and groaned when no one believed me. "That woman pulled my hair! Umaawat lang ako—"
"Ayan na, sa presinto ka na lang magpaliwanag." Ani ng pulis kaya halos tumili ako sa frustration at nakabusangot nan ang matanto kung saang presinto ako madadala...na naman.
I was so ashamed and annoyed, umaawat lang naman ako kanina, ah!
The police dragged everyone involved in the bar fight out, nakabusangot ako habang inilalabas ako sa sasakyan at kaagad akong natigilan nang makitang papalabas si Locket sa presinto. Sa kanyang likod ay nakasunod sina Brent, Adam at Earn na nagtatawanan.
My eyes widen.
Fuck! Fuck! They can't see me here again! Shit! Mukha na akong basagulerang bangag ngayon!
"Uy, pigsa! Sige na, mamaya ka na uwi, mga one!" I heard Earn said while they're walking, si Locket ay diretso lang ang lakad at hawak sa isang kamay si Ping-ping.
"I'm going home, bahala kayo." He said coldly.
"Luh, KJ naman!" Adam hissed. "Sige na, tapusin lang natin 'yong movie—"
"No, I'm tired. Bukas na lang." He said and my eyes widened when the police who arrested us greeted them.
"Saan 'yan?" Brent asked.
"Bar fight po." Ani ng pulis.
They all saluted, I saw the boys looking around at nanlaki ang mata ko nang magtatago pa lang sana ako ay nagtagpo ang mata namin ni Earn na eksaheradang nanlaki ang mata.
"S-si Mama..." he then pointed me kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"H-hindi ako si Crest!" I exclaimed loudly, which is obviously, a fucking wrong move dahil napatingin na rin sa akin si Locket na nagulat nang makita ako.
"Uy, si Mama!" Adam grinned.
"Tss, sayang naman at pauwi na si Pigsa!" Brent stretched a bit. "Bye, Pigsa! Uwi ka na!" he pushed Locket na nakatulala lang sa akin.
"Fuck you." He hissed and cleared his throat, glancing in my direction. He removed his jacket and threw it on Earn's face before glancing at his watch.
"I remembered I have a lot of things to do. I'm working overtime," Locket said, supladong namulsa at nauna pa pabalik papasok sa presinto.
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