Kabanata 23
Kabanata 23
What the fuck? What the fuck? What the fuck?!
"Mama!" my eyes widened more when the three almost hopped towards me, umiling-iling ako, gusto sanang sabihing hindi ako si Crest at nag-iimagine lang sila but honestly, what's the use?
"H-hi!" my high-pitched voice answered, inangat ko ang kamay para sana kumaway pero napangiwi lang nang makitang nakaposas ang kamay ko.
Earn's forehead immediately creased when he saw that, si Adam ay kaagad na tinawag ang isang pulis doon habang nakisiksik si Brent para abutin ang kamay ko.
"This is just a bar fight, why do you have to cuff her?" ani Adam doon na kinausap ang pulis.
"Pasensya na po, kumakawala kasi sila kanina no'ng dadalhin namin sa station." Paliwanag niya.
"Oy, hindi ako pumapalag, ah!" I gasped, "I was just dragged here! Promise! Tumulong lang akong aawat tapos nadamay ako! Ayaw n'yo maniwala kasi!"
"Oh, ayaw n'yo maniwala? Hindi 'to magagawa ni Mama, 'di ba, Ma?" ani Earn na kumurap-kurap pa sa akin kaya ngumuso ako at inangat ang nakaposas na kamay para tapikin ang pisngi.
"Very good, my baby penguin." I said and he smiled proudly at me kaya bumaling ako sa natirang pulis na kasama namin dahil ang dalawa niyang kasama ay nauna na bitbit ang team ko at 'yong kabit. "See? Hindi nga kasi ako kasama. I just helped!"
The police looked confused, napahawak pa siya sa batok niya roon at bumaling kay Adam.
"Naku, pasensya na, Lieutenant. Si Ma'am kasi no'ng naabutan ko, nakikipaghilahan na ng anit." Aniya kaya na-imagine ko ang itsura kong iritado dahil hinila ang buhok kong maganda pa ang pagkakakulot kanina.
"Where's the key?" ani Brent na hawak pa rin ang pulsuhan ko.
"Ay, nasa loob na po, nasa isang kasama ko." Aniya kaya sabay-sabay kaming napabuntonghininga at nagkatinginan.
I was shy and embarrassed they had to see me again in this state, like usual. It's like a freaking déjà vu! Palaging ang first meeting namin ay sa presinto!
"Tara na, Mama." Ani Earn kaya ngumuso ako at tumango, nang nauna na ang pulis na isa sa loob at nahuli kaming apat ay kaagad akong tumigil, mabilis na nilingon ang tatlo at nakitang nakatitig sila sa akin, I noticed the longing and happiness on their eyes and when they caught my stares, I smiled.
"Miss n'yo ko, 'no?" I muttered and when they nodded abruptly, napatili na ako at natawa nang sugurin nila ako ng yakap.
"I miss you, Madame!" Brent muttered and hugged me more, si Adam din ay tumango-tango pa at si Earn ay teary-eyed na.
"Oh, my babies. I missed you too!" I said and smiled, kissing their cheeks and tried hugging them but I couldn't because of my freaking handcuffs. We all smiled at once. "Oh, sorry, I wanna hug you all but I am cuffed."
"Ayos na ayos lang! Mamaya, Madame, hug tayo ulit kapag natanggal na!" Earn said kaya napatango-tango ako. I glanced at my baby boys and realized they got more handsome and matured since the last time I saw them.
"Oh, h'wag na kayo mag-cry." I said softly noong napakurap-kurap sila at namungay ang mata, si Brent ay napapahid pa sa pisngi niya habang 'yong dalawa ay basa na ang mata at napasinghap na ako at nakagat ang labi. "Uy...h'wag kayo umiyak, naiiyak tuloy ako." I muttered, in the verge of tearing up when we heard a clearing of throat.
"What's taking you all so long?" umatras ang luha ko at napalingon kami at natantong si Locket iyon, nakasandal sa may pader, seryoso ang mga mata at nakahalukipkip habang pinagmamasdan kami.
"Nagka-kumustahan lang, Padlock, angal ka?" Adam muttered and Locket frowned at him.
"You...you three go home, I'll take it from here." Ani Locket na umayos na ng tayo, supladong naglakad palapit.
"'Di ba, pauwi ka na, Padlock? Pagod ka na, eh. Bye! Uwi ka na!" biglang harang ni Earn kaya mas kumunot ang noo ni Locket.
"No," seryoso niyang turan. "I have a lot of cases for tonight so I'm working overtime—"
"Gusto mong kasama Mama namin, 'no?" biglang attitude ni Earn, tinikwasan pa ng kilay si Locket na nakabusangot na.
"No," he cleared his throat. "I'm just doing my job and responsibility, as a police officer, I should serve and protect—"
"Ay, wow, pang Binibining Pilipinas! Lt. Col. Pigsa, first runner up!" ngisi ni Adam kaya halos maniris na si Locket.
"Shut up, I'm just doing my job—"
"Gusto mo lang kasama ang Mama Pinga namin!" biglang kumapit sa braso ko si Earn kaya napakurap ako. "Gusto mo?" he said and flexed our connected arms on Locket.
"Ernesto—"
"Gusto mo? Luh, asa ka!" ani Earn at halos mapatawa ako nang isinabay ako ni Earn sa paglalakad papasok ng presinto, ang dalawa ay hinaharangan ang dalawang gilid ko, iniwan si Locket na nakatulala lang sa amin at iniwan.
"You three...I'm a fucking boss here!" he exclaimed, parang nangigilaiti pero ang tatlo'y unbothered lang.
"Hayaan mo na, Madame, walang dilig." Ani Earn sa akin kaya napatawa na ako at napailing, nakangising sumama sa kanila, naririnig ang reklamo ni Locket at ang tawa ni Brent.
Pasimple ko pang nilingon ang likod at nahuling naghihilahan ng tainga si Locket at Adam doon habang nag-aaway ng mahina, tumikhim si Brent nang mahuli akong nakatingin kaya napatingin din sa akin ang dalawa.
Locket cleared his throat before pushing Adam's head and Adam showed me a satisfied grin when he made him more pissed.
"Eh, ang tapang mo naman pa lang kabit ka!" I sighed when Dani, one of my designers screamed at the mistress' face which looked mocking.
"Gerald is mine, okay?!" the mistress even had the audacity to say that to her face. "You weren't there when he was vulnerable! Nandoon ako pero ikaw, wala!"
Really, huh? Ang mga kabit pa talaga ang may lakas ng loob ngayon?
"Jusmiyo, they're fighting over a cheater." Bulong ni Earn. "Tss, they're better than that."
"Yeah, right?" I muttered and shook my head.
Tumayo ang pulis na nakaupo sa upuan nang makita kaming papalapit, kaagad na lumawak ang ngiti ko nang makitang nakaupo sa may desk ang baby Ping-ping ko, tila inaantay kaming parating.
I saw Locket walking towards the seat pero mabilis na nakaupo roon si Adam na ngumisi pa at inilahad ang kamay, "good evening, everyone, I'm Col. Adam Dominguez, what can I help you?"
Natigilan sa paglalakad si Locket, kumunot kaagad ang noo kay Adam at sina Earn at Brent ay natatawa sa gilid, nahuli ko pang nagsisikuhan.
"It was her who started this!" the mistress exclaimed and pointed to Dani. "She did this!"
"Excuse me but it was you who started it! You kissed Gerald and you were fucking proud of it!" she screamed at nang akmang magsasabunutan na naman ang dalawa ay nagmamadali ang mga pulis na hawakan sila.
Really? For a cheating guy?
"Come here," halos mapatalon ako sa gulat nang may magsalita, napatingin ako sa harapan at nagitla nang makita si Locket sa harapan ko.
I met his gray eyes and noticed the softness in it, gone was the irritated look he had with the boys earlier.
"Huh?"
"Your cuffs," he muttered and my heart pounded when he touched my hand a bit and I felt the weird feeling it gave me. Parang may kuryente roon kaya suminghap ako at nakita kong natigilan din siya pero tumikhim.
"I'm sorry," he said and stared at my eyes. "Can I hold your hand?"
"Huh?!" mas kumalabog ang puso ko roon, nawala sa pandinig ang sabong ng dalawang babae at ang sigaw ni Earn nang mahila ang buhok niya noong kabit.
"I mean, to remove your cuffs." He said, mabilis na bumaba ang tingin sa kamay ko. I saw his ears reddened a bit and I bit my lip, slowly nodding at him.
"O-okay," I said formally, trying my best to sound casual, masking my weird feeling inside for I might look like a weirdo.
Slowly, his hand touched my hand. Humugot ako ng hininga nang maramdaman ang magaspang niyang kamay sa akin, he slowly led me to a plastic chair nearby before dragging another one in front of me.
He didn't let go of my hand, I felt how his thumb slowly brushed on my palm when he lifted the key and uncuffed me.
"Masakit?" he asked, I noticed the concern in his voice as he touched my wrist.
My heart pounded, I felt how he touched my skin with care. His forehead creased when he saw the red faint lines on it.
"Damn, does it hurt?" he asked again and glanced at me at natanto kong nakatulala ako kaya suminghap ako at tumango.
"A-aww, aray...masakit." I frowned and his forehead creased more.
"Why did they even cuff you?" I saw his jaw clenched, "this is just a damn bar fight! It wasn't as if you're a criminal or something—"
"Mamaya na harutan! Pigsa! Tulong!" I heard a loud scream at halos mapatalon kami ni Locket nang lumingon sa kanila at nakitang may rambulan na.
Earn and Brent is groaning dahil nahila na sila sa sabunutan no'ng dalawa, si Adam ay malakas na ang boses para patigilan ang dalawa but they are frustrated and unstoppable. Dani was in the verge of slapping the other woman pero humarang si Brent kaya sa pisngi niya tumama ang sampal.
"Oh my God!" I gasped in shock, mabilis na tumayo para sana lumapit.
"Enough!" I froze too when I heard Locket's voice thundered, suminghap ako at nakita ko kung paano tumigil ang dalawa roon.
Locket was authoritative just like before but I saw the more intense version of that today. Buo ang kanyang boses, istrikto at nakakatakot.
He stood proud and tall as he walked closer to the people with his cold gray eyes.
"This is a police station, Ma'ams. Are you supposed to fight here like this? And are you seriously fighting over a man? Do you even realize your worth is more than that?" mariin niyang sabi at nakita ko kung paano sila natigilan.
It was Dani who blinked and stared at her hand, napatitig siya kay Brent na nakahawak sa pisngi at nakanganga pa galing sa sampal niya at suminghap na siya.
"S-sorry!" she gasped and moved away from the mistress who scoffed and rolled her eyes, mabilis na lumayo at padabog na naupo.
"Jusmiyo, marimar!" Earn gasped and flipped his imaginary bangs. "Ang buhok ko, kaloka!"
Lumapit na ako, I immediately held Earn's wrist kaya nagkatinginan kami at mukhang naiiyak na siya.
"Mama, sakit ng anit ko. Mga ipokritang bitch. Dinamay ako." He whispered and I chuckled a bit and nodded, bumaling kay Brent na tulalang nakahawak sa kanyang pisngi habang nauupo sa tabi ni Dani.
Locket then nodded at Adam who looked so worn out too at mabilis na umalis si Adam doon at kaagad na pumalit si Locket, istrikto, malamig ang mga mata at nakakatakot.
'Yong tipong parang dragon na kalabitin mo lang ay biglang bubuga ng apoy. Scary but if he's a dragon, Lorcan, bugahan mo ako!
What the hell, Crest? Are you really that drunk to make landi?! May nagsasabunutan lang kanina! Na-presinto ka pang babae ka! Parang pinanganak ata ako para mamalagi sa presinto?!
Naupo rin ako sa may tabi ni Brent, marahang inabot ang anit ni Earn na nananakit daw, reklamo niya dahil nadamay.
"Sakit pa?" I asked and he nodded, almost whining at me.
"What happened?" I heard Locket asked, pinagsaklop niya ang dalawang kamay at malamig na tumingin sa dalawa.
"Siya kasi—"
"Anong ako?! Ikaw ang nagsimula—"
"Silence!" his voice thundered again at parang aatakihin ako sa puso sa gulat sa boses niya. "Miss Sandejas, come here." Biglang sabi niya kaya nagulat ako.
"Me?" I asked and pointed to myself. "I know nothing! Nadamay lang ako, I was just stopping them, and my hair was pulled too so I defended myself."
"I know," he nodded, staring at me. "You'll be our witness, come here." He tapped the plastic chair beside him kaya napakurap ako.
"Why—"
"You sit here beside me and tell me what happened." Aniya kaya napatayo ako, inayos ang gold satin night dress ko at naglakad palapit.
I saw the empty chair just beside Dani, katabi ng lamesa sa harapan ni Locket kaya tinuro ko iyon.
"Uh, dito na lang," I said but his forehead creased, and shook his head.
"No, you're an eyewitness, you should sit here beside me and tell me what happen." He said pero nanatili lang akong nakatingin sa kanya, nagtataka.
"That's...our new protocol." Aniyang seryoso kaya napakurap ako at bumaling kina Earn na nakatulala lang sa amin when one police officer na umaresto sa amin kanina asked.
"Lt. Col., bago na po pala—"
"Yes," Locket said seriously, "it's the new protocol."
Narinig ko ang tikhim ni Adam pero nang lingunin ko siya ay tumango-tango siya sa akin. Slowly, I walked closer to Locket and saw the plastic chair beside him, it has enough distance from him, hindi kami magdidikit pero malapit din.
Naupo ako roon, I pouted a bit when it felt so awkward sitting beside the Lieutenant Colonel with every police officer staring at me.
"Uh, hi?" I smiled awkwardly, biglang nalamigan nang tumama sa akin ang aircon na nakatapat sa pwesto ko. I touched my shoulder and shivered a bit, magre-request na sana na pahinaan ng aircon nang maramdaman ang pagpatong ng kung ano sa balikat ko.
Napahawak ako roon, I realized it was Locket who placed his black jacket on my shoulder, nilingon ko siya at nakitang kunot ang noo niya, abala sa paglabas ng buhok ko na naipit ng jacket.
"Adam, pakihinaan ng aircon. Your mother's cold." Ani Locket kaya pumilantik ang puso ko at napasulyap sa kanya na seryoso ang tingin sa aircon.
"Okie!" Adam said and he went somewhere at nang maramdaman ko ang paghina ng aircon ay bumaling ako kay Locket na inangat pa ang kamay para damhin ang lamig sa may malapit sa ulo ko.
"Are you still cold?" he asked, his serious gray eyes stared at me kaya dahan-dahan akong umiling, humigpit ang hawak sa jacket.
"No, I'm fine. Salamat." I said gently and he nodded, tahimik na bumaling sa dalawang babae na magulo ang buhok at nakabusangot.
"Earn, bring some water for the ladies." He ordered and Earn nodded, hawak pa ang anit niya ay umalis para sa tubig ng dalawa.
I told everyone what I saw and what really happened, galit na galit ang kabit habang si Dani ay naiiyak pero pilit na kinakalma ang sarili.
I feel bad for her, she's amazing and a talented person yet her long-time boyfriend would only cheat on her. What an ass, can't calm their hard-ons, mas pipiliin pang mangabit kaysa magtiis.
"Alam mo kung bakit ako ang gusto niya? Kasi boring ka!" the mistress hissed at her and Dani looked like she'd scream but tried her best to calm down. It irritates me, how dare this mistress say this to her? The audacity?
"Ako, masaya siyang kasama ako! We would have fun together—"
"I really thought Gerald has good taste in women before," I decided to speak dahil hindi ko gusto ang naririnig. "He got Dani, one of the best woman I'd ever met but realized he's got a bad taste after all. May mga tao nga pala talagang kahit anong s'werte sa mga bagay na mayroon sila pipiliin pa rin ang panandaliang saya."
"Crest," Locket called pero tinaas ko lang ang kamay at natahimik siya at tumango.
"How dare you say that?!" she gasped at me. "Anong karapatan mong sabihin 'yan? I am Gerald's happiness! Masaya siya sa akin at hindi sa babaeng boring na 'yan!" she pointed Dani who's lowering her head.
"Oh, no, Dani isn't boring, Miss. Gerald just loved the thrill of having you but after that? Do you know what happens if you lose the thrill? Maiiwan kang lugmok. What goes around comes back around, Miss. As a woman, sana alam mo hindi magandang gawain 'yan, karma has its own way. What you and Gerald did can make me puke in disgust right now."
"He chose me because I was better than her!" she exclaimed, nang tumalsik ang laway niya sa braso ko ay napangiwi ako pero tumikhim, pasimpleng inabot ang tissue at tahimik na pinunasan iyon.
"No, Miss, you are not better than her. You are easier so he chose to hook up with you." I said and it stopped her. "Nasaan na nga pala si Gerald? He left, remember? After the two of you fought, sa halip na tulungan ka dahil mas gusto ka niya—I quoted—he chose to leave you. Why? Because a coward, scared to go here with you. See? Mahal ka ba?"
I wasn't that shock anymore when I saw how the realization on the mistress' face showed, bigla siyang natulala at si Dani ay tahimik na umiyak, napatakip pa sa bibig and I saw Brent stared at her softly, kahit namumula ang pisngi sa sampal na natanggap ay inabot niya si Dani para aluin at umiyak ito sa balikat niya.
Poor ladies.
I sighed and let Locket speak to them, inabot ko si Ping-ping habang kinakausap niya ang dalawa at nilaro. I smiled while looking at my cute baby, malinis at mabango pa rin.
At talagang palaging kasama sa trabaho, ah? Love na love ka ni Papa Pingu, a, Ping-ping?
I smiled and touched her soft, tiny hands. I suddenly remembered how painful it was a year ago to give it back to Locket. We were both broken that time and we're crying so much. I remembered tucking him to sleep before I left noong madaling-araw because he was fragile and crying.
I kissed his forehead goodbye, pinayakap sa kanya si Ping-ping bago nilagyan ng kumot at umalis.
The past year was hard for me but I found myself. I learned to slowly love it more and appreciate me for being me. I went to therapies, bukod sa pinsan ko ay pumunta ako sa ibang psychiatrist para maging komportableng ilabas ang saloobin sa ibang tao. I was scared at first but later thought it was a good thing to talk to strangers.
Habang kasagsagan pa noon ng trial ko, nag-uumpisang makilala ang Crescent Shines sa tulong ng CAGE na company ni Tita Nat and when I went to Paris to study fashion to enhance my skills for months, it helped me a lot. Slowly, I recovered, my nightmares disappeared completely but still hindi lang naman iyon ang problema ko.
I glanced at the serious Locket na hinatid ang mga babae sa pintuan palabas, si Brent ay nagpresintang ihatid si Dani at ang isang pulis naman doon sa isang babae, luckily, they settled it. Well, I hope so.
I saw Locket reminding the police officers to check on the girls and take care of them on their way home. I even heard him warning them na kapag may narinig siyang reklamo sa dalawang babae, he would take actions and it made me smile.
One thing I like with Locket is his respect...not just for women but for people in general.
How are you, Locket? How are you doing now? Have you started mending your wounds? Are you healed too?
"Ang ganda-ganda talaga ng curls mo, Mama!" I heard Earn said, napangiti ako nang maramdamang sinusuklayan niya ang buhok kong nabuhol sa sabunot kanina.
"Salamat, Earn." I chuckled, "mas maganda 'yan kanina kaso nadamay ako kaya nagulo, sayang."
"Maganda pa rin naman, Madame!" he chuckled and touched my hair. "Na-miss talaga kita!"
"I missed you too!" I giggled, "I was here earlier but I didn't see the three of you, you know? Akala ko nga sa sunod pa kayo makikita pero look where am I? Hindi ko alam kung destiny 'to, way para magkita-kita tayong apat o minamalas lang ako na sa palaging sa presinto ang bagsak?"
"Batang City Jail daw tawag diyan, Mama," ani Adam na biglang lumitaw kaya natawa na ako, naupo siya sa harapan ko at inabutan ako ng maligamgam na tubig na kaagad kong tinanggap.
"Thanks, I'd like to call this destiny." I winked kaya nagkatawanan sila.
"Good evening, sorry for the late arrival. Here are the files for Lt. Colonel's case." Sabay-sabay kaming lumingon at nakitang may isang gwapo at matangkad na pulis doon, sumasaludo, mukhang hindi tagarito.
Tumikhim si Adam, naramdaman ko bigla ang pagkurot ni Earn sa tagiliran ko kaya nilingon ko siya at nakitang namumula siya pero tumikhim bago nagseryoso at tumango bago sumaludo rin.
"Colonel," he called. The handsome man smiled and nodded, tahimik si Adam na nangingisi. Inabot no'ng lalaki ang envelope kay Adam. Adam shook his head and pointed the serious Earn.
"Ah, pakibigay na lang kay Inspector, Colonel," Adam said and the man nodded, showing the envelope to Earn na halos manginig pa ang kamay sa pagtanggap.
"Shelemet—" My eyes widened, pasimple ko siyang sinipa kaya tumikhim siya at lumaki ang boses. "Salamat, Colonel." He said in a serious, full manly voice and I almost burst out laughing.
"Welcome, Inspector," he said and nodded, muling nagpaalam at sumaludo. Intense na pinanuod namin siyang bumati kay Locket na kunot ang noong tumango at nang lumabas siya ay napatakip ako ng bibig at si Earn ay biglang niyakap ang envelope.
"Futa, sheyt! Afam ng bebe ko!" he gasped quietly. I screamed in so much kilig, hinampas-hampas ang kanyang balikat habang si Adam ay tawang-tawa roon sa aming dalawa.
"What's that?" biglang litaw ni Locket nang makita akong patili-tili, walang hiya-hiya dahil kami-kami lang naman ang nasa presinto.
"Kilig kami, h'wag ka nga!" I exclaimed and stood to hug Earn na kinakalma ang sarili pero kinikilig, we both laugh and almost jumped while hugging.
Hindi kami makausap ni Locket dahil sa sobrang daldalan namin ni Earn, nakahawak siya sa batok habang kinukuha ang files sa case niya, nakabusangot na naupo sa kabilang lamesa para magbasa ng files, pansin ko ang pasulyap-sulyap niya sa amin.
"So, promoted kayo?!" I asked the two of them excitedly, sayang nga at wala si Brent dahil sa paghatid kay Dani pero I understand naman, panatag ako kasi siya ang naghatid.
"Yes!" Adam said proudly. "I'm a Police Captain! Si Brent nga Lieutenant na!"
"Well...Senior Inspector na ang kagandahang ito?" Earn showed me his beautiful eyes kaya napatili ako at napatawa.
"Oh my God! I'm so happy! I'm so proud of you, babies! Wow...ang galing! Dahil you made me so proud, give Mama Pinga and Ping-ping a hug!" I exclaimed and laughed happily when the two attacked me with hugs.
Tumagal kami sa yakapan, tatawa-tawa pa, napalayo lang kami sa isa't-isa nang may tumikhim at nakita naming naupo na si Locket sa isang upuan doon at tumitig sa akin.
"I am a Lieutenant Colonel now, too," he said like a kid while staring at me, as if waiting for his own greetings. My heart pounded.
"Share mo lang, Padlock?" ani Adam at kaagad na bumusangot si Locket at nagkagulo na naman kami nang magdambahan ang dalawa na parang bata roon.
These police officers are like kids sometimes, huh?
Unfortunately, I have to go home when it's three o'clock in the morning, inaantok na rin ako at may trabaho pa sila kaya kailangan ko na rin umalis. It was Earn who was tasked to take me home safely since I have no car with me.
Si Adam at Locket kasi ay may urgent na ginawa dahil sa files na ibinigay para sa homicide case raw nila kay literal na all-nighter sila sa presinto ngayon.
I was a bit sad I didn't get to say goodbye to Locket when it's time to go home, may kausap kasi siya sa telepono at si Adam lang ang nakita ko kaya nakapagpaalam ako.
I am carrying Ping-ping with me while walking towards Earn's car, nasa balikat ko ang jacket niya.
I watched Earn searching for his car, natawa pa ako nang makalimutan niya ang susi sa presinto kaya kumaway muna siya at nagpaalam saglit. I walked closer to the pavement while hugging Ping-ping, staring at the dark sky.
How cliché this is? I'm in a precinct again. Funny how fate works, huh?
"Well, you can't kidnap Ping-ping from me." I almost cursed in shock. Mabilis akong lumingon at nakita si Locket na nakapamulsa at malapit sa akin.
"O-oh!" I gasped in shock, mabilis kong pinakita sa kanya si Ping-ping at nakagat ang labi bago nagsalita. "Sorry, I thought I'll get to keep her."
"Nah," he chuckled, his gray eyes are gentle. "Parental guidance is a must, Pinga. Ping-ping's in my custody so you have to ask permission to see her and Ping-ping is still a minor, wala pa 'yang three years old kaya dapat kasama pa ang Papa kapag nakikipagkita sa Mama."
I laughed. The side of his lips curved for a smile while staring at me.
"You're really into that parental guidance thing, huh?" I raised my brow. He nodded, still staring at me.
"Of course, our children's still young. Chichay's a minor too kaya kikitain ko siya kapag kasama ka, same at Ping-ping's." Aniya kaya natatawang tumango ako, sumulyap kay Ping-ping sa kamay ko at marahang niyakap bago hinalikan.
"Alright, I'm gonna see Ping-ping again soon, I guess?" I muttered and extended it to him, inabot naman niya iyon mula sa akin at inilagay sa kanyang braso.
"Sure, I can bring her to you everyday if you like...or you can bring Chichay to me? If you're free?" he said, making me smile.
"Of course, kapag ano...hindi busy." I said gently and stared at him.
"I am not busy these days. I can bring Ping-ping to you, everyday if you like," aniya kaya ngumuso ako at tumango.
"It's okay, Locket. Kahit kailan, basta wala tayong ginagawa." I said and when I noticed how his stares made my heart pound, tumikhim ako at bumaling sa jacket sa balikat ko.
I slowly took it and gave it back but he shook his head. Itinulak ng marahan pabalik sa 'kin ang jacket at nagsalita.
"Just give it back to me next time," he said and I nodded, muli kong binalik ang jacket sa balikat ko at natahimik. We were silent for a few moments, biglang nahiya naman ako kaya tumikhim ako at iniikot ang tingin.
"Saan nga pala ang car ni Earn?" I asked and he pointed a black car somewhere kaya bumalik ako roon. "A-ah, thank you. Una na ako, ah? May trabaho ka pa pala, antayin ko na lang si Earn doon." I muttered, kumaway na sa kanya dahil kumakalabog na ang puso ko.
I didn't hear his answers, tahimik lang ako tumalikod mula sa kanya, dire-diretsong naglakad papunta sa sasakyan ni Earn but then, a grip on my wrist stopped me. It was too quick, isang galaw lang ay naikot na ako at gulat na nanlaki lang ang mata nang tumama ako sa may balikat ni Locket nang yakapin niya ako.
My breath hitched, ramdam na ramdam ko ang kalabog ng puso ko, hindi makagalaw sa biglaang ginawa niya. His arms are on my waist, pulling me closer to his body as he buried his face on my neck.
"L-Locket, what are you d-doing?" I couldn't even find my voice when I asked that.
"I don't know if you care but I'm a Lieutenant Colonel now," he said in a low voice. "I got promoted. Like them. I...I hope I made you proud, too."
Nangilid ang luha ko nang marinig iyon sa kanya.
"I'm sorry." He sighed when he realized what he was doing. "Sorry for hugging you like that, I...I was just envious because you hugged them—" I pulled him back and he froze, unti-unti kong inangat ang kamay ko para yakapin siya pabalik.
"Crest..."
"How's life, Locket? Are...you fine now?" I asked. He embraced me again, slowly nodding against my shoulder. "Then, I'm proud of you too. Ang galing-galing mo." I whispered back and smiled.
It took us a few moments to hug each other, napahiwalay lang kaming dalawa nang tumunog ang phone niya at nang ilabas niya iyon ay nakita ko ang pangalan na nakalagay sa contacts.
P01 Lauren
"Excuse me, I just have to take this." Aniya at sumulyap sa akin kaya tumango ako at alanganing ngumiti, mabuti na lang ay dumating si Earn at kumaway kaya hindi na rin nagtagal.
Lauren...she's a pretty girl, she looks angelic, mukhang mabait. Kagaya ng tipo ni Locket, naalala ko noon, did Locket really like her?
I know I shouldn't but it bother me until the next day, nang magtanghali na ay pumunta ako sa mansyon para kunin si Chichay na nahuli kong nakikipagharutan na sa ibang mga aso roon kaso bida-bida siya dahil kumikinang ang violet na damit.
This spoiled baby, beautiful but traydor at times.
Naabutan ko sina Mom at Dad na nasa may garden, tatawagin ko na sana sila but then, my Mom looked so annoyed while my Dad is talking to her. Mom would roll her eyes and Dad would laugh pero susuyuin din ang huli.
Gusto ko sanang makiistorbo kaso ay naalala ko ang role play nila kagabi, may patali pa sa headboard! Jusmiyo! Ang parents ko ay wild pa rin! Sana all!
Naalala ko bigla ang nahihiyang itsura ni Mom kaya ngumuso na ako, naiiling na sinampal ang sarili ko dahil na-i-imagine ko na naman bago pumasok, hinayaan na silang dalawa magharutan sa garden at mukhang inis pa ang Mommy kasi tinulugan siya.
I caught the housemaid on her way up with food on her hands kaya binati ko siya bago tinanong kung para kanino 'yon.
"Ay, hello, Ma'am. Kay Attorney Chiel po, pinadalhan na ni Ma'am Thallia kasi 'di lumalabas sa opisina, kagabi pa po 'yon pagkarating. Wala pang agahan at busy daw."
I sighed and nodded, kinuha ko sa kanya ang tray at sinabing ako na ang maghahatid sa kakambal ko.
When I got into his personal home office, I knocked on the door. Wala akong narinig na sagot mula sa kanya kaya nagdesisyon na akong pumasok doon. I saw him busy looking for something on his files, walang tingin-tinging nagsalita rin siya.
"Thanks, Ate. Paki-iwan na lang po sa lamesa." He said, preoccupied and I sighed, marahang ibinaba ko sa may lamesa ang pagkain niya bago siya tinawag.
"Kambal," I called. He stopped, he glanced at me with a smile.
"Hey, kambal," he called. I smiled, marahang lumapit ako sa kanya, humalik sa pisngi bago yumakap. I heard him sigh, yumakap din bago halikan ang noo ko. "Hindi ka busy ngayon, ah? Miss CEO?" he even joked.
"It's my off today," I chuckled and punched him playfully. "Busy ka? Wala ka raw kain, ah? Kumain ka nga." I said and he smirked, hinatid niya ako sa upuan bago siya tumabi sa akin at dinungaw ang pagkain na dala ko.
"I'm not hungry but it's you who brought foods for me so I'm gonna eat it." He said playfully, kinuha pa ang kutsara para tumikim doon pero nanatili akong nakatitig sa kanya.
"Chiel, look at me." I said and he hummed, sumubo pa ng pagkain.
"Hmm? Wait, ubusin ko muna 'to—"
"No, you look at me," I said gently and he sighed when he realized I was not gonna let him slip from this. Unti-unti, nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. I noticed the dark circles under his eyes and I sighed loudly.
"Seriously? Ilang araw ka ng walang tulog?" matalim kong sabi sa kanya.
"Kagabi lang—"
"Don't lie to me, I heard you messed up a case last week," I said and he froze.
"That's just accidental, Crest. May sumabotahe sa ebidensya namin—"
"No, kambal. I know how strict and protective are you with your cases so I doubt there's a problem, unless you weren't on focus." I pointed out and he stopped, sighing, uminom siya ng tubig at kumirot ang puso ko nang abutin niya ang kamay ko at biglang sumandal sa balikat ko.
"Chiel..." I hummed and touched his hair with my other hand. "Nandito lang naman ako, tell me your problems. Alam mo namang sobrang hirap na may tinatagong sakit kasi ganyan ako noon, kambal. I was so scared of adding problems on your shoulder kaya itinago ko sa sarili but look where it brought me? I was depressed, Chiel, kaya sana h'wag kang gagaya sa akin. Sana kapag may iniisip kang masakit o nahihirapan ka, sana sabihin mo sa 'kin kasi kambal mo ako.
"I love you, kambal. H'wag mo sanang maisip na pabigat ka sa akin kasi hindi, you are my twin. Kambal ang balun-balunan nating dalawa, right? I hope you'll share your pain with me para 'di ka lang iiyak mag-isa...kasi sasamahan kita."
I wasn't that shock when I heard him sniff, mas humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko at suminghap.
"I couldn't find her, k-kambal..." he whispered and my tears fell more. "G-ginagawa ko naman lahat kaso wala...I-I'm even checking every accidents and u-unknown deaths yet—"
"She isn't dead, Chiel, okay?" my voice almost broke while tearing up. "S-she isn't...babalik siya sa atin, naiintindihan mo? B-babalik siya sa atin, kambal."
It took us a moment before we calmed down, tulo ang uhog naming dalawa habang sumisinghot doon kaya inabot ko ang tissue at idinikit sa ilong niya.
"Singa," I commanded.
"I can—"
"Singa, Alchiel." I said strictly and he frowned, nang suminga sa tissue na dinidikit ko sa ilong niya ay masama ang tingin sa akin kaya nginisihan ko na.
My twin is such a baby, habang nagbabasa siya ng files niya ay madalang kumain kaya halos isuksok ko na ang kutsara sa bibig niya.
"Alchiel, nga-nga! Kumain ka!" I hissed. He sighed, opened his mouth, and accepted the food I was giving.
"Crest, I'm full—"
"Full, huh? Tignan mo nga at nangangayayat ka na." I pointed out and he smirked at me.
"Gwapo pa rin naman, 'di ba?" he raised his brow.
"Nah, mas pumangit." I stuck my tongue out when he glared at me.
"Mas pangit ka, magkamukha lang tayo, ah?" aniya kaya ngumuso ako at pinitik ang noo niya.
"Nah, sorry pero mas gwapo ako sa 'yo kapag naging lalaki ako." I said and we both laughed at that.
"Kumusta love life? May pinayagan ka na bang manligaw sa sandamakmak mong admirers?" he asked and I pouted, biglang may sumagi sa isip kaya binalingan ko siya.
"Look at me, kambal. What do you think? Kunwari first time mo akong nakikita, anong first impression mo?" I asked him curiously.
He stared at me intently before tilting his head.
"You're intimidating," he said. "Mukhang maldita at snob."
My eyes widened. "Really?! Mabait naman ako, ah! Hawig ko lang si Mommy pero mas soft features ko, right? Hindi naman ako mukhang—"
"—mukha kang dragon na bubuga ng apoy, Crest Veronica." He pointed out kaya nahulog na ang panga ko.
"U-uy, you're so mean! Mukha kaya akong angel! Sa ganda kong 'to? Mukha akong mabait, ano! Hindi makabasag pinggan—"
"Ang dami mo ngang pinggan na nabasag." Aniyang naka-bored look pa kaya suminghap na ako. "'Tsaka you asked me about my first impression of you and that's it, tatanong ka pa kung ayaw mo tanggapin?"
"Kasi I know na hindi ako gano'n! 'Tsaka look at my face, natural-looking ang make-up ko." I showed him my pretty face and he smirked at me.
"Oh, really? Look at that dark red lipstick on your lips and that pointed mascara, nananampal, Crest Veronica. Sa tingin mo mukha 'yang innocent looking?" he said kaya mabilis kong kinuha ang mirror ko sa bag to check on my face.
I groaned in frustration when I realized my make-up may look simple but it emphasized all my strict features, from the high cheekbones, thin red lips, and maldita eyes.
"Hindi nga..." I sighed and screamed a bit, binaba ang mirror at nilingon siya. "You think I should change my hairstyle? Para bago naman? You see my hair is always in a curly state or sometimes, straight tapos parted in the middle. Do I really look like a maldita dragon?"
"Yeah," he shrugged kaya suminghap ako.
"How about I change my hairstyle? Para bago? Sa fashion week din s'yempre para may iba naman sa face ko. Mukha kasi akong mataray always, want ko naman ng soft-looking look. Para cute, 'di ba? Balita ko kasi umatras 'yong ibang admirers ko kaso mukha raw akong masungit?"
"Hmm," he stared at me. "Whatever look you want is okay, you are so flawless with that strict dragon look, how about bangs?"
I imagined my face with bangs and I could see my cute face. Oh, I remembered that Korean drama I was watching, ang mga actress nasa 30s na yet with their bangs, they looked so much younger!
"Should I go to the salon?" I asked and Chiel shook his head.
"I can do it, though," he said. "I know how to do bangs."
"Really?" my eyes widened. "How?"
"Well, I used to watch Clyte cut her bangs." He said. "It's easy, hahawakan mo lang tapos papantayin ng gunting."
I giggled excitedly. "Sure ka, kaya mo?"
"Oo nga, wala ka bang tiwala sa akin?" he raised his brow at me. "Hindi lang abogado 'tong kambal mo, parlorista rin."
Of course, I trust my twin kaya ngising-ngisi pa akong hinayaan siya sa pag-gupit ng bangs ko at expert daw siya sa kakanuod kay Clyte dati na naggugupit ng bangs.
He pulled a bunch of my hair gently bago iyon pinantay ng gupit, seryosong-seryoso pa ang asul na mata at mukhang palaban at nagdadalawang-isip man, may tiwala naman ako sa kambal ko.
My twin is a lawyer. A man of his word. He won't bring me down, I'm sure.
When he let go of my hair, I slowly opened my eyes and saw his wide eyes.
"Okay ba? Cute?" I asked and he blinked, biglang namula at nakagat ang labi niya.
"H-huh?" he blinked, as if panicking.
"Cute ba kamo?" I asked and his eyes widened, slowly nodding at me.
"Y-yeah, you looked like that Korean actress with the bangs?" he said. "Y-you looked younger. Parang nasa twenty-two."
My eyes brightened, "really?"
"Y-yeah!" he laughed.
"Oh, thanks, kambal! Check ko sa mirror—"
"H'wag!" he suddenly screamed kaya natigilan na ako at nagtatakang nilingon siya.
"Why—"
"H-hanap na tayo nila Mom! Dinner." He said kaya tumango ako, "okay, baba na tayo, check ko lang ang twenty-two years old look ko—"
"No!" halos lumabas na ang ngala-ngala niya kaya napakurap na ako.
"Huh?" I blinked.
"Urgent daw, mamaya mo na tignan." Aniya at tumango ako, aabutin ko sana ang mirror ko sa sofa but Chiel put his arms on my shoulder, hinila ako papuntang pintuan kaya hinayaan ko na.
I felt how tensed he is, weird pero hinayaan ko na.
When we reached the dining table, I was smiling brightly and saw my family in there. Bati na ata si Mom at Dad, Mom is fixing the utensils and Dad is sipping on his wine. Si Adi naman ay abala sa pagkuha ng kanin kaya ngumisi na ako.
"Hi, family!" I called their attention kaya sabay-sabay silang napatingin sa akin. "What do you think? Looking pretty young ba?" I asked proudly.
Dad choked on his wine. Nabitawan ni Mom ang kutsara, I saw how Adira almost dropped the plate kaya kumunot ang noo ko.
"W-what...what the hell happened to your hair, Crest Veronica?!" Mom asked in shock, almost in the verge of fainting kaya kinabahan na ako.
Mabilis akong lumapit sa may maliit na salamin sa may kusina at ang ngisi ko'y unti-unting nawala ng matantong ang bangs ko ay nasa kalahati lang ng noo ko, hindi pa umabot sa itaas ng kilay.
"W-what..." I gasped and glanced at Chiel's pale face. "A-akala ko...sabi mo mukhang Korean?!"
"O-oo nga, si Kim Bok Joo." He smiled awkwardly and my inner maldita dragon appeared while I was glaring at him.
"Alchiel Verón!" I screamed at the top of my lungs and he sprinted and run kaya kinuha ko ang heels at binato sa kanya.
Tang ina ni Alchiel. Pakyu si Alchiel. I will fucking slit his fucking throat!
I was so embarrassed and shy kaya halos tatlong araw akong 'di pumasok, umaasang hahaba ang bangs ko sa tatlong araw pero wala kaya tang ina si Alchiel. Nagsisisi akong kakambal ko siya. Hangal, traydor!
I was hoping for something impossible and my work is piling up kaya I had no choice but to go to work with a fucking bandana on! Mukha akong tanga pero mabuti na lang ay maganda ako!
My bangs are on full view yet, marunong akong mag-ayos kaya bagay naman sa akin at mabuti na lang ay pretty girl talaga ako pero pakyu si Alchiel. Gusto kong lagyan ng sili ang mata niya!
"Ma'am, may flowers kayo ulit—" halos mabuwal ang secretary ko nang makita ako. "M-Ma'am anong nangyari—"
"Bagay ba?" I smiled proudly and flexed my cute bandana. "This is a new trendy hairstyle sa States."
Nanlaki ang mata niya. "T-talaga, Ma'am?"
"Oo," I smiled proudly pero sa loob-loob ko ay gusto ko na lang palamon sa lupa. "Celebrities has this hairstyle na, you know? Bagay ba? Pretty?"
"O-opo naman..." she smiled at me. "Bagay sa 'yo, Ma'am. Mukha kang Korean na." Aniya.
"Right?" I laughed loudly and she laughed too, hindi ko alam kung maganda talaga o gusto niya lang akong hayaan sa iniisip ko sa takot na bugahan ko siya ng apoy.
"U-uh, ano pala, Ma'am. Flowers." She showed me my favorite bouquet at kaagad na nawala ang irita ko kay Alchiel.
"O-oh, napaaga?" I asked and she nodded.
"Opo, Ma'am. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit." Aniya kaya tumango ako at bumaling sa flowers. When she excused herself, I smiled while staring at the flowers, looking for the small card and saw it.
Hi, I personally handpicked this. I chose the best ones, hope you like it. You're always the best. Keep shining, my inspiration.
It made me giggle, how sweet. Talagang siya pa ang namitas ng mga bulaklak, huh?
Two days passed with me, waiting for a miracle for my freaking bangs to grow but of course, it didn't fucking happen. Tinataguan pa ako ni Alchiel kaya halos magwala na ako.
That gago!
One night, while I was sleeping deeply, I woke up with the news na one of Crescent Shines' branches was robbed when they' were about to close. I was frantic and worried, not just with my shop but mostly, with my employees there.
Alas-dos ng madaling-araw ay bangag akong nagbihis ng shorts at shirt, sinuot lang ang cardigan ko at tinangay si Chichay para magpunta kami sa presinto kung nasaan ang manager ng branch ko na iyon, guard, kasama ang dalawang saleslady na kasama niya.
I immediately saw Brent waving when he saw me approaching and I gasped in relief when I found out no one is hurt with my crew. Nilaro nila Adam at Earn si Chichay habang nakikipag-usap ako sa mga empleyado ko at siniguradong ayos lang sila.
Nasa twenty thousand ang nakuha sa kahera namin and it's a large money but nothing's larger than their lives kaya kahit papaano'y masaya pa rin ako.
"Ma'am, sorry, pinauwi ko na kasi si Noel." Ani ng guard. "Pasara na rin kasi, hindi namin expected na ganito.
"It's okay," I sighed and smiled. "You don't have to worry, what's important is your safety, everyone's safety. Mababawi natin 'yon, don't worry, sige na, uwi na kayo. Salamat, ako na ang bahala rito. Papahatid ko kayo, hmm?"
It was almost five A.M. noong natapos kami sa mga statements at CCTV para mahanap ang mga pumasok. Hinatid sila ng ilang pulis na naroon sa presinto and I immediately caught Earn's eyes on my bangs kaya ngumuso na ako. Natulala rin sina Adam at Brent ng mapansin.
"New trend iyan, babies." I pointed out kaya natawa na siya.
"What? Bagay nga!" ani Earn at hinawakan ang bangs ko. "Ganda, Mama. Bagay na bagay sa 'yo, pretty ka."
Chichay was in Adam's arms and I smiled but then noticed someone was missing. "Oh, si Locket? Kulang kayo, ah?" I asked.
"Ah, night shift kami ulit, Ma." Ani Brent sa akin. "Si Pigsa, sorry, 'di namin tinawag. Kakagaling lang kasing Iloilo, may meeting doon, nasa opisina ngayon, may inaasikaso."
"Oh..." I nodded and bit my lower lip. "Can I go in there? Papaalam lang?" I asked, wanting to go home na since I was sleepy. It was almost six, I guess.
"Ah, sure, naroon lang sa office niya. Pasok ka lang." Adam winked. "Kami na bahala kay Chichay, crush ako nito, eh."
I chuckled and nodded, inayos ko ang cardigan ko at mabilis na naglakad papunta sa office ni Locket. I knocked first but no one answered kaya marahan ko iyong binuksan. My heart fell when I saw him sitting on the sofa with his arms crossed and sleeping.
Slowly, I went inside, marahang naglakad palapit and I bit my lower lip while staring at him.
He's wearing a dark blue dress shirt with the first three buttons opened, he's wearing slacks and leather shoes.
"Pormal na pormal, ah?" I said gently and smiled, kumunot ang noo niya at mukhang nananaginip na napaayos ng upo pero biglang nahulog lang ang ulo pabalik na parang walang nangyari kaya napabungisngis ako.
"Adorable," I whispered, was about to go out when I saw a Sharpie on the table.
I didn't know why but an evil idea filled my brain, ngumisi ako, mabilis na kinuha ang sharpie, lumuhod sa tabi niya sa sofa at binuksan ang takip.
I almost died of silent laughters while I am sketching funny things on his face, pinagdugtong ko ang kilay niya gamit ang sharpie, I even put a cute moustache and fake freckles on his cheek at napahagalpak na ako ng malakas kaya napatakip na ako ng bibig.
He moved and I panicked, I was about to hide and run for my life when his gray eyes met mine.
"You're enjoying this, huh? Bratty penguin?" he asked me boredly. My jaw dropped.
"H-huh? A-are you..."
"You're giggling like a five-year-old and yes, I am awake." He said hoarsely and my jaw dropped.
"U-uhm, well..." I laughed awkwardly, moved away, and faked a yawn. "P-parang inaantok na ako, ah? U-uwi na ako." I stood and almost ran when he pulled my waist.
I screamed in shock when I fell on the couch, my eyes widened when he caught my wrist and took the sharpie from my hand. I moved my leg to stand but he caged it with his, not giving me any escape.
"L-Locket—"
"It's a crime drawing a penis on a police officer's forehead." He said kaya umawang na ang labi ko at suminghap.
"H-how did you know—"
"I heard you saying that word earlier, Pinga." He said boredly.
"Oh!" napaawang ang labi ko. "You heard me saying Titi?"
"Crest Veronica!" he hissed at seryoso dapat pero napabughalit ako ng tawa ng makita ang noo niya.
"Shit—OMG—sorry!" I bit my lower lip, "it's just funny—"
"Nice bangs, mukha kang nasa daycare," he said and smirked kaya nawala na ang ngisi ko.
"Y-you brute!" I glared at him, was about to raise my hand but he pinned me on the sofa completely, placing his body on top of me, and moved his face closer.
"W-what are you doing?" I stuttered. "L-lumayo ka nga!" seryoso talaga dapat pero lumobo lang ang bibig ko kasi nakita ko ang mukha niya at mahirap maging seryoso.
"Nah," he smirked, his gray eyes had this naughty glint as he lowered his face closer. "Payback time."
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