Kabanata 24
Kabanata 24
"Dahan-dahan lang, ang sakit!" I hissed, gasping for air.
"Calm down," he said hoarsely, gripping my hand more while moving on top of me.
"H-how could I? You're gripping me too...hard." I gasped.
"Sorry, sorry..." I noticed the funny tone on his voice while saying that. "Don't worry, I'll be gentle."
"Gentle ka diyan," I frowned but groaned when the tip touched my skin more. "Masakit ha, Lorcan Keith?!"
I heard his soft chuckle as he gripped my hand more, I tried moving away pero mas dumiin lang kaya dumaing ako.
"Locket, isa!" I hissed and glared at him, seryoso pa sana ang mukha ko habang nakatingin sa kanya but when I saw his forehead with my masterpiece drawing, I stifled a soft laugh.
I froze when I realized I did that, nasalubong ko ang bored na mata ni Locket at idiinin muli sa mukha ko ang dulo ng sharpie.
"Isa--" but he only gripped my wrists with his one hand, pinning it above my head while moving above me, stopping his foolish grin like a kid.
"Done!" he suddenly exclaimed and I froze. I glared at him more, nang natatawang umalis siya sa ibabaw ko ay tinulak ko siya. I can only imagine my face kaya dali-dali kong inabot ang bag ko para kunin ang compact mirror ko and what I saw next is horrible.
Like him, my brows are connected, may mga fake freckles ako sa may pisngi at ang noo ko...Oh my freaking gosh!
"Lorcan Keith!" Matinis na sigaw ko nang matantong ang bitin kong bangs ay pinahaba niya gamit ang sharpie, he drew bangs extensions kaya mukha ng full bangs! Santisima!
I heard his hearty laugh while I'm whining like a kid.
"Y-you brute!" I exclaimed loudly and he raised his hand like he did nothing wrong!
"What's the matter? You like it? I extended your bangs for you, my Pinga, mukhang bitin, eh?" he smirked and I felt like he's making fun of me kaya dinamba ko na.
"Locket!"
"What?" he laughed harder, "mukhang daycare, ayos na ngayon, mukhang elementary. Accelerated ka na!"
"Arrggh!" I growled and tried smacking him but he was too strong for me, obviously. He easily dodged my hand off and caught my wrist for the second time.
One thing I know, we're fighting and the next thing I knew is me lying down on the sofa with my hands above my head and him...on top of me.
We both froze, our nose almost an inch away from each other. His gray eyes stared at me and my heart pounded louder while staring back at him.
I can feel his minty breath touching my nose, the warmth his body is giving me felt weird and comforting at the same time.
We stared at each other for a while, as if there's an invisible force pulling us together. Natulala ako sa kanyang mga mata at gano'n din siya. I saw how his gray eyes lowered its gaze on my slightly parted lips and I unconsciously licked my lower lip.
I caught how his gray eyes darkened, he gulped miserably and my heart pounded harder as I moved a bit to try and get away but it's obviously a wrong move, sa halip na mapalayo ay hindi sinasadyang dumikit ng bahagya ang labi ko sa gilid ng kanya.
We were both stunned, mas nagwala ang inner kalandian ko nang mabakas ko ang kung ano sa mga mata niya. He looked like a tamed beast, pero sa halip na kalmado lang ay unti-unti nang napuputol ang pasensya.
He looked like a lion ready to devour his prey...kakawala na ang leon at kakainin na niya ang masarap na putahe na nakahain sa kanya...ako.
"Ror..." I muttered seriously and I saw how his eyes widened a bit and a moment later, he's already laughing his ass off.
"R-ror? Fuck!" He muttered and burst out laughing, umawang ang labi ko nang mahulog ang ulo niya sa balikat ko, sa gilid ng leeg ko habang hindi na matigil sa paghagalpak niya.
"I-I mean--"
"Shit, I'm sorry, Pinga...I'm just--" I screamed when I heard him laughing like he's enjoying every bit of my embarrassment.
"Lorcan nga!" I hissed and he laughed more, "I'm sorry, it's just that you're adorable. I'm sorry." Aniya pero mukha namang 'di nagsisisi ang gago sa kakatawa at nag-iinit lang ang pisngi ko sa kahihiyan.
Nakakahiya ka, Crest Veronica? Talaga bang ang kalandian at kaharutan ay nasa component na ng dugo ng pamilya namin? I mean, hindi naman sa maharot ako pero...oo, parang gano'n na nga! Hindi ako handa pero unconsciously ay naglalandi ako!
"Makatawa ka, ikaw nga may Titi sa noo!" I screamed out loud and he froze.
Napangisi ako.
Natahimik ka, ah?
Tatawa na sana ako para mang-asar sana but then, parang bigla akong nagsisi no'ng bigla siyang umayos ng pwesto. He moved on top of me again, his other hand on the side of my head for his balance and stared at me.
"Aminin mo na, Crest." He said seriously kaya natahimik ako.
"A-ang?"
"You keep on saying and drawing that thing on my forehead." He said kaya sumulyap ako sa noo niya at pinigil ang sariling mapatawa na naman. "Aminin mo na, you want to see that, right?"
"What?"
"That thing you drew on my forehead, woman. My bakat." Aniyang seryoso kaya ngumisi ako.
"What? Can't say it? Sabihin mo na, madali lang 'yan, Lt. Col. Come on, say Tit—"
Sinundot niya ang tagiliran ko nang pakawalan ang kamay ko kaya napatili na naman ako.
"Locket!" I screamed, "oh my God—let go of me!" I laughed and wiggled, feeling ticklish.
"Why would I, huh? You vandalized my face, you bratty penguin. This is against the law, you know? Drawing a penis on an officer's face." He smirked evilly.
"W-what? You drew things din naman sa face ko, ah?" I defended. "'Tsaka you're awake while I'm drawing on your face! You could have stopped me!" Napasinghap na ako at mas gumalaw habang tumatawa.
"Locket! Isa!"
"Dalawa, tatlo..." he teased kaya inangat ko ang isang kamay ko at hinawakan ang batok niya. He suddenly jumped when I moved my hand again.
"Crest—"
"Oh, oh! May kiliti ka sa batok, ah?" I muttered and did it again kaya nabitawan niya ako at parang nasisilihang umayos ng upo.
"Crest Veronica!" he growled and suddenly laughed when I located his most ticklish spot. "You brat—fuck—dahan-dahan!" bigla niya akong hinawakan nang muntik na akong mahulog sa lapag sa sobrang galaw kaya nakakuha ako ng chance.
I pushed him on the sofa this time, he kept on dodging my attacks while tickling him kaya I went to being a cute penguin to a wild beast, mabilis akong naupo sa hita niya paharap para mas makiliti siya.
"Ah-huh! Makakaganti na ako sa'yo, Padlock!" Tuwang-tuwa ko pang sabi pero nawala ang ngisi ko nang matanto ang naging posisyon naming dalawa.
His gray eyes stared at me intently and I saw how he gulped a bit, natulala rin ako nang may naramdaman kung ano sa may pang-upo ko kaya nanlaki ang mata ko kay Locket.
"I-is that your bakat raising a flag?" I asked as gently as I could and he closed his eyes tightly.
"Don't...don't fucking move." Mariing sabi niya kaya napalunok ako at tumango-tango.
"O-okay," I muttered. "Tayo na lang ako." I slowly moved pero mas naramdaman ko lang kaya mas nanlaki ang mata ko. "Locket—"
"I...know." He licked his lower lip, "I-I'm sorry, you should just—"
"Mama Pinga! Ako ang favorite ni Chichay kasi pareho kaming beautiful girl!" biglang katok at sigaw ni Earn sa pinto ng opisina ni Locket kaya sa gulat ay natulak ako ni Locket kaya tumambling ako sa lapag.
"Aww!"
"Shit! I'm sorry!" Locket cursed when he saw what he did, napadaing ako at napahawak sa balakang at mabilis siyang lumuhod, nanlalaki ang mata. "Sorry, Pinga—"
"You gago!" I growled while touching my back.
"Sorry!" he licked his lip guiltily and touched my arm.
"Anong favorite? Ako kaya!" Dinig kong sabat ni Brent doon. "Dinilaan nga niya mukha ko!"
"Anong favorite? Mas favorite ako ni Chichay!" I heard Adam. "Tanungin pa natin si Mama, oh? Sinong favorite na kapatid ni Chichay?" mas kumatok sila kaya nag-panic kaming dalawa ni Locket.
Parang wala lang na dinampot niya ako sa lapag at iniupo sa sofa habang lumuluhod sa harapan ko at inabot ang balakang ko.
"Sorry, Pinga." He muttered and I frowned at him, pouting.
"Hoy, Padlock! Ilabas mo si Mama! Anong gawa niyo diyan?!" ani Earn sa labas.
"Ako ang favorite ni Chichay!" Adam defended outside. "Mama, alam mo ba, pag-alis mo pinagtatawanan ni Brent at Ernesto ang bangs mo!"
"H-hoy, hindi, ah! Ganda kaya ng bangs ni Mama—"
"Oo nga, Mama! Maganda ang bangs mo!" Brent knocked too.
"Mga sinungaling, tawang-tawa kayo sa bangs tapos—hoy, Padlock, papasok na kami, ah?" I heard Adam said at nang nakita namin ang pagpihit doorknob ay mas kinabahan.
"H'wag!" we both screamed out loud kaya natigil ang tatlo sa panggugulo.
"Huh? Bakit?" I heard Earn asked. "Ayos lang kayo diyan?"
"Don't fucking open the door, Ernesto!" mariing sabi ni Locket at mabilis na tumayo, ni-lock ang pinto at nakagat ko ang labi ko roon.
"Bakit? Ayos lang kayo?" I heard Brent asked outside.
"Yeah," ako na ang nagsalita. "Ayos lang! Don't worry!"
"Oh, okay. Bakit ayaw kami papasukin ni Padlock?" ani Earn kaya nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Locket. We looked like stupid fools right now, may kanya-kanyang sketch ang mga mukha.
"Well..." I cleared my throat. "N-nagpapatulong lang ako para doon sa CCTV sa store!"
"We're fine here, Earn." Locket said, "but can you buy us some masks? And a bull cap too."
"Huh? Bakit?" I heard them asked.
"It's just urgent," he glanced at me and glared a bit kaya ngumuso ako at natawa nang makita ang masterpiece sa noo niya. "She might be in danger, we should...hide her identity?" aniya pa roon kaya halos mapahagalpak na ako.
"Oh, okay." Ani nila roon. "Two masks and bull cap, okay."
"Yeah, thanks. We'll let you in after." Aniya at nang mawala na ang tatlo doon ay sabay kaming napabuntong-hininga ni Locket.
"I'm sorry," he started off while walking towards me. Ngumuso naman ako at umiling sa kanya.
"Nagulat ako, ang sakit, ha?" I muttered and he chuckled a bit, may inabot sa may upuan niya bago muling tumabi sa akin sa sofa at inabot ang balakang ko.
"Sorry, nagulat lang." He sighed, "ayos na ba? I can massage it for you." He offered kaya natawa na ako at umiling.
"It's okay na, nagulat lang din ako sa tulak mo, bumalentong ako, Dmitrov, kita mo?" I muttered at nang nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ay sabay na natawa.
"Pangit mo." We both muttered when we saw each other's messy faces and laughed. He reached for my face, he moved his fingers on my bangs and chuckled.
"What happened to your hair? Who murdered this?" aniya habang hinahaplos kaya ngumiwi ako at hinampas siya.
"Maka-murder ka!" I whined and he laughed and touched my forehead.
"Don't worry, I fixed it for you. Full bangs ka na, oh? Say thank you, Papa Pingu." He said kaya natawa na rin ako at nailing, tinusok ang noo niya.
"Loko, si Alchiel 'yan. That gago, he said it would look good when I got bangs, kasi sabi mukha raw akong maldita. You know, new look sana. From maldita Crest to a cute one but see where it brought me? That asshole of my twin proudly told me he knows how to cut bangs and see? See how he freaking murdered it?" I pointed my bangs and he laughed, unti-unting inilagay ang takas kong buhok sa likod ng tainga ko.
"You looked beautiful anyway," he said seriously kaya natigilan na ako.
"Yeah? You're saying that after you freaking drew an extended bangs?" I pouted and he smirked, muling sinuklay ang bangs ko.
"What I am saying is, every hairstyle suits you well. You're pretty with your bangs, trust me. You could rock everything, I was just shocked seeing your hair." He chuckled. "But you're pretty, you always are. I remembered those American models with hairstyles like that, pretty."
"Wow, so may mga kilala kang American models na ganito ang buhok?" I asked and he nodded at me proudly.
"Yeah."
"Ganda ba, Dmitrov? Ganda? Tuwang-tuwa ka, ah?" I muttered seriously, napatitig siya sa akin pero mayamaya'y natawa at pinisil ang ilong ko.
"They're pretty but you're the prettiest in my eyes." Hirit pa niya kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin pero mayamaya'y inilagay ang iilang tikwas ng buhok na natira sa likod ng tainga ko.
"Lorcan, enebe..." I said like a mahinhin girl and he laughed, looking brighter and cheerful unlike before, I don't know if it's because he laughs so carefree now? Without any doubts on his eyes.
"I sometimes wonder kung natatabingi na ang dila mo, Crest." He pointed out kaya napailing ako at sinipa siya ng bahagya.
"Kasalanan mo 'to, eh." I pointed out and sighed, inabot kong muli ang mirror ko at tinitigan ang itsura ko sa salamin. "Gago you, Lorcan Keith. I looked like a clown right now."
"Yeah? Look at my face? Parang nag-drawing ang daycare sa mukha ko." He pointed his face too kaya natawa ako at napailing.
"Sorry na, hindi ka naman tumutol, ah! And you looked adorable, tara nga, picture tayo." I said and took my phone and lifted it in the air.
"No." He said and moved away. "Ikaw na lang—"
"Shh! We'll take a picture! Rememberance lang!" I hissed and he frowned at me, nagsusuplado na naman, umiiwas sa camera ko.
"No, Crest. I looked stupid, ako na lang kukuha ng picture sa'yo." He said but I don't give up easily, siniksik ko siya sa gilid ng sofa at nang hindi na siya makaalis ay inangat ko ang phone.
"Locket, isa!" I hissed and forced his face to look at the camera. I grinned widely, si Locket ay nakabusangot at masama ang tingin sa camera nang mag-picture ako kaya natawa na ako.
"Smile naman diyan, Lt. Col.!" I hissed and tugged his arm, "sige na, 'di ko naman ikakalat, personal remembrance ko lang." He stared at me kaya I softly smiled, "please? Please? For Crest-ganda?"
He then sighed after staring at me briefly, he touched my waist, nagulat pa ako sa biglang paghila niya sa akin mas palapit sa kanya at harap sa camera ko.
"Snap it," he said and I bit my lower lip, smiling, inayos ko ang camera at muling ngumisi and he stared intently at it, the side of his lips lifted a little for a small, almost unnoticed smile.
I took a quick snap and chuckled after, kumatok naman ang tatlong muli sa pintuan kaya napatayo na si Locket at nagulat ako nang i-abot niya sa akin ang phone.
"What?" I asked.
"Send me the photos," he said kaya nagulat ako at nangiti, mabilis kong ini-swipe ang phone at may password kaya nilingon ko siya para sana magtanong.
"Password?" I asked while he's on his way to the door.
"It's 3, 22, 19 and 4." He said kaya tumango-tango ako habang tinatype ang number.
Very random naman itong si Locket, akala ko birthday niya or something ang password.
I saw Locket trying to hide his face from the boys na pilit na dumudungaw, habang nagbabangayan sila roon dahil nakatago ang mukha ni Locket sa pintuan ay naging abala ako sa pagse-send ng pictures kay Locket.
And because I am feeling funny today, I even sent him cute selfies of me and I almost laughed at that. He'll probably delete this after being irritated and I'd like to see his face!
Nakikipag-agawan si Locket ng paperbag sa mga lalaki nang biglang pumuslit si Chichay sa pintuan at tumakbo palapit sa akin kaya I smiled.
"Hi, Chay!" I smiled and waved but to my shock, she just growled at me and moved away. "What? It's Mommy...oh God, you probably don't recognize me!"
My baby Chichay kept in growling at me kaya I cleared my throat, I offered her my hand. "Come on, baby, it's Mommy Crest. See? I may looked like a monster today but...come on, smell me."
She moved a bit, hesitant at first. Nang maamoy niya ako ay basta na lang siyang dumamba at gumalaw ang buntot kaya napatawa na ako at binuhat siya paupo sa hita ko.
She's moving excitedly again, habang inaangat niya ang mga kamay sa balikat ko para maglambing ay inabala ko ang sarili sa phone ni Locket, tinignan ang gallery para i-check kung nagsend na ang photos pero kaagad akong natigilan nang makita ang camera gallery niya.
I saw one of my shop's branch in there, there are photos of my personally designed bestselling dresses in there! May photos pa ng fashion shows ko overseas and me! Oh, gosh! He has pictures of me here! In a runway while modelling my designs!
Chichay suddenly barked, nawala siya sa hita ko at paglingon ko ay ayon na at naghaharot kay Locket. Nagpapakarga kaya mabilis na inabot ng huli at binuhat na parang baby.
"Here's the mask, we can wear this when going out." Aniya at naupo sa tabi ko at inangat ko ang phone niya at ipinakita sa kanya ang gallery.
"You...have pictures of me?" I asked and I saw how he stopped for a while before licking his lip and glancing at it.
"It's on social media," he said. "You know, if you checked on it, nag-o-automatic save."
"Oh?" my eyes widened. "P'wede pala 'yon?"
"Yeah," he cleared his throat and glanced at Chichay on his arms. "And the boys are checking on you from time to time, sometimes they're using my phone. They probably saved some of them there."
"P'wede pala 'yon?" napaisip ako. "You mean, if you checked it then save agad?"
"Y-yeah..." tumikhim pa siyang muli at inilapag si Chichay sa hita niya at bumaling sa akin. "You should wear this."
"Try ko nga," I muttered, medyo doubtful sa dahilan niya. "Bale kunwari, search ako ng picture tapos—"
"It's not possible anymore, Crest." Nawala ang phone sa kamay ko sa biglaang pagkuha niya at tago sa bulsa. "I...turned off the setting allowing that feature."
"Ows?" I asked and raised my brow, I saw him avoided my gaze kaya mas ngumisi ako. "Talaga? Tingin ka nga sa akin."
"Wear this mask—"
"Luh, police officer pero liar?" I muttered kaya mabilis siyang tumingin sa akin.
"What? I didn't lie, nag-automatic save nga—"
"There's no features like that, I think? Ano 'yon, na-view mo lang 'yong picture tapos biglang na-save?" I asked, my smile widened when I saw him getting caught.
"Pina-upgrade ko ang phone ko." Aniyang seryoso kaya mas nagpigil ako ng ngisi.
"We have the same phone, Lt. Col." I smirked, "I upgraded this too in the latest version."
Napatitig siya sa akin and I am expecting him to deny things again and again until he's tired kaya ready na ang pang-asar ko nang magsalita siyang muli.
"Okay, I saved it." He said and I expected it since earlier pero natigilan pa rin ako. "I'm checking on you from time to time, I watched every interviews you have. I...we watched you dominate the runway in modelling, Crest Veronica.
"Am I obsessed with you? I don't know, maybe? I stalked your social media for updates about you. Am I still in love with you? I love you. Yes. How about you?" titig niya sa akin at hindi ako kaagad nakapag-react at napahawak sa dibdib ko.
"S-sandali, Sir. Kumalma." Napahugot ako ng hininga at napapapaypay sa sarili. "J-joke-joke lang tayo kanina, ah? B-bakit may pa I love you na?"
"Well, you caught me stalking you anyway. What's the point of lying?" he raised his brows at me. "I love you, still. It didn't even fade, Crest. Will I pursue you? Yes, if you allow me. Will you?"
"Shit na malagkit, sandali!" I screamed and fanned my face more and he suddenly chuckled and carried Chichay.
"Chay, anak, your mother's blushing. Can you help me convince her so I could court her?" aniya na kausap si Chichay na parang maamong bata sa braso niya. She even wiggled a bit and moved his face closer to Locket.
"Chichay..." I warned, "come to Momma." But the brat just glanced at me, inilabas lang ang pangil at pinanliitan ako ng mata.
"You brat..." I gasped when she went back to Locket like nothing happened. "Chichay Sandejas, I am your mother!"
"I am the father," Locket smirked at me. "And it's Chichay Sandejas Dmitrov, Pinga. You might have her custody pero ako pa rin ang Daddy."
"Are we...seriously talking about things like this habang madami tayong sulat sa mga mukha?" I pointed out and he chuckled a bit and showed me the paperbag.
"Here are the things we could wear but think of my proposal, ayaw mo bang bigyan ng buong pamilya ang mga anak natin?" he asked me like he's asking what to eat kaya napasinghap na ako at napatakip sa aking tainga.
"Lorcan Keith Dmitrov!" I exclaimed and he laughed while I'm closing my eyes and resting my head on the sofa.
After a while, I opened my eyes and saw him staring at me with an amused smile.
"So...?"
"Ticketan kaya kita? Overspeeding ka, Sir!" I hissed and he chuckled.
"I'm just gonna jail you tho, for stealing my heart." He winked at parang lalabas na ang kaluluwa ko kaya pinalo-palo ko na siya at natatawa na siya sa akin.
"Alright, alright. Calm down." He smirked and lowered Chichay. "While waiting, I can still pursue you. Right?"
"H-huh?"
"I heard you have a lot of admirers," he said kaya napakurap-kurap ako.
"Oo, pero may pila, officer, sorry." I mocked but he didn't look bothered at all.
"Alright, I'm gonna fall in line, then. Kahit sa huli, save the last for the best." He said competitively at napaawang lang ang labi ko at wala ng nagawa nang muli niya akong abutin.
While I was preoccupied, he easily put the mask on my face, inayos niya ang buhok ko habang isinusuot sa akin ang cap habang natatawa pa sa bangs ko.
"Makatawa ka, ah? Don't forget you have a penis on your forehead." I almost laughed when his smile vanished, sinamaan niya ako ng tingin kaya nangingising kinuha ko rin ang mask at pinasuot sa kanya.
He looked handsome on his formal clothes, madalang ko lang siyang makitang nakasuot ng ganito dahil madalas ay naka-uniporme siya kaya gwapong-gwapo ako.
I fixed his hair while he's staring intently at me, binaba ko ang buhok niya para medyo mahulog sa noo, napapatawa pa ako ng bahagya sa noo niya kaya sinuotan ko na ng cap.
"Ayan, 'di na kita. Gwapo na ulit." I said and he sighed, pinakita niya sa akin ang jacket niyang gray.
"We looked stupid today, Crest." He said and suddenly chuckled. "Would you like to wear these? You can cover your face more with this." Turo niya sa hood kaya tumango ako.
I removed my cardigan and wore his jacket, it's quite big for me but it's okay. Inayos ni Locket ang hood para hindi masyadong makita ang mukha ko at natawa.
"You look adorable," he muttered at naramdaman ko ang pagkalabog ng puso ko kaya napalunok ako.
"You too," I said back and glanced at Chichay wearing her pantulog clothes kasi bigla ko na lang siyang ginising, sumakay ng taxi at nagpunta rito sa presinto.
"What happened anyway? Why are you here?" he asked after a while kaya napabuntonghininga ako at sinabi sa kanya ang nangyari.
Of course, Locket was livid. He talked with the boys when we went out, naiinis dahil hindi siya tinawag noong nanakawan ang shop namin pero wala na ring nagawa dahil tapos na, isa pa nothing bad happened, fortunately.
Nagtataka sila sa itsura naming dalawa pagkalabas kaya silip nang silip sa mukha ko ang tatlo.
"Promise, Mama! Hindi...hindi ko naman pinagtatawanan ang bangs mo, bagay na bagay nga, eh! Pretty! Kaso may naalala lang akong Korean." Aniya at napatawa ng bahagya pero biglang nagseryoso. "S-sorry, I didn't mean—"
"Alam mo, Earn, favorite sana kita kaso attitude ka." I pointed out kaya nagtawanan ang dalawa roon at inasar si Earn na mukhang paiyak na habang buhat si Chichay na nakasandal pa sa kanya habang suot ang shades na maliit.
I bond with the boys a bit while Locket is busy checking the reports for my case just earlier, he looks engrossed in it kahit balot na balot ang mukha dahil sa drawing ko.
"'Yong papers sa report, when can I get it?" I asked the boys. "Kasi we have to check the security or if it is a possible inside job, mahirap na at priority ko ang safety ng employees ko."
"We can take it to you as soon as we can, Mama." Ani Adam doon na hinaharot na ni Chichay. "P'wedeng kayo kumuha rito pero mas okay kung kami na lang magdadala sa opisina mo. Sino p'wedeng i-address?"
"Uhm, you can address me pero I ain't sure if palagi akong nasa office these days. Alam niyo na, busy pa kasi because of fashion week kaya baka si Dani ang magre-receive. She'll be my secretary for the meantime since nag-maternity leave ang secretary ko."
"Ako na!" nagitla ako nang magtaas ng kamay si Brent kaya sabay-sabay namin siyang binalingan. "I mean...ako na magdadala sa opisina mo, Ma."
I heard Adam whistled, si Earn ay tatawa-tawa kaya nangunot ang noo ko at binalingan si Brent na napatikhim at umayos ng tayo.
"I mean, everyone is busy. Nadadaanan ko rin naman ang opisina mo on my way here so madali lang para sa akin." He said.
"Weh?" Earn muttered before laughing kaya mas nagtaka na ako.
"Anong mayro'n?" I asked, "bakit niyo inaasar si Brent?"
"Mama, may crush kasi siya—" Adam stopped and cursed when Brent kicked him. Napahagalpak si Adam pagkatapos at napaatras pero kaagad na may dumaing sa likod.
"Ouch? Be careful!" natigilan si Adam at napanganga nang makita si Lauren, 'yong babaeng police officer na crush daw ni Locket.
"Lauren!" Adam chuckled a bit, "sorry." He muttered, obviously blushing.
"Just...be careful, okay?" Lauren muttered and sighed, napasulyap siya sa akin at bahagyang nagulat nang makita ako pero tumango. "Miss Sandejas."
"Good morning?" I greeted and she stared at me, probably confused na balot na balot ako pero tumango rin ng bahagya.
"Good morning, sige, mauuna na po ako." She said and frowned at Adam before walking away.
"Ohh...sungit." Ani Brent na inasar naman si Adam na mukhang nagulat at binatukan ang huli.
"So, may crushes na ang mga babies ko?" I noticed kaya natahimik silang tatlo sa akin.
"Huh? Wala akong crush!" ani Adam sa akin pero sumabat kaagad si Brent.
"Mayro'n, Mama. Crush niya si Lauren kaso masungit." Tawa ng huli.
"Ang kapal mo? Ikaw nga, gusto mo si Da—" nagbatukan na ang dalawa, natawa ako roon sa kanila at hinayaan na habang bumabaling kay Earn na buhat-buhat si Chichay, halos mag-beautiful eyes pa sa akin.
"So...ikaw?" I asked and he smirked at me.
"He asked me out for dinner." Ani Earn na walang pagdadalawang-isip kaya suminghap na ako.
"The police officer?! 'Yong gwapo?!" I exclaimed and when he nodded, napatili kaming dalawa at nagyakap, halos sumayaw na sa kilig habang naiipit si Chichay na walang reaksyon sa kaharutan naming dalawa.
Kung hindi lang dumating si Locket ay nagkakagulo na kaming apat na parang first time na nagkita-kita, he fixed his cap before glancing at us.
"What's happening?" he asked and I immediately clung my arms on Earn's.
"Bonding lang, Padlock, bakit? Angal ka?" ani Earn doon na uma-attitude na naman. "Deserve naman namin si Mama pagkatapos kayong magkulong sa opisina, ah? Anong ginawa niyo ba kasi?"
Napasulyap ako kay Locket, I can see the amusement on his gray eyes but he shrugged and tilted his head a bit to stretch.
"We just talked about the robbery last night," aniya at sumulyap muli sa akin. "Let's go, Crest. Hindi ka nakatulog, 'di ba?"
"Well..." I nodded and glanced at my boy before showing them my arms. "Bye, boys! I'll go home to rest first, I'm going back here for my free time to bond. Hug nga ako, I love you!" I exclaimed.
The boys immediately moved closer to me for a tight hug, natawa ako habang nakayakap sa kanila at napasulyap kay Locket na nakatulala sa amin.
"We love you too, Mama!" they said, "...and Chichay! Sayang wala si Ping-ping, happy family sana."
"How about the father? I deserved a hug too, right?" ani Locket na inilahad ang kamay.
I chuckled at that, lalo na nang marinig ko ang tawa ni Earn bago siya nagsalita. "Oh, Padlock, girl ako pero kapag sinabi ni Mama na I love you, boys, boy na ako! Kawawa ka naman!" he stuck his tongue out kaya napailing na ako.
"What? I'm a boy too!" hinarap na ako ni Locket, "and I'm the father, Crest Veronica. Isn't it unfair na 'yong mga pangit na anak may I love you at yakap tapos ang tatay wala?"
"Oo nga, 'no?" I muttered and smiled mysteriously behind my mask. "Sige na nga, yakap ko rin ang baby ko."
Locket closed his eyes and offered his hand kaya naglakad ako palapit at nang feel na feel na ng loko ay nilagpasan ko siya bago bumalik at kinuha si Chichay kay Earn.
"Oh, I love you, baby. Kiss si Mommy and hug!" I exclaimed, kissing Chichay and hugging her before glancing at Locket na ma-dramang napamulat ng mata at sinamaan ako ng tingin.
"You brat..."
"What? Chichay is my baby, right?" I said gently before kissing Chichay na nagpapa-baby na. "Mommy loves Chichay and my baby penguins too." Inggit ko pa sa kanya kaya napabuntonghininga na siya at napahawak sa batok.
"Sana all," he muttered lowly at napatawa na kami sa ka-dramahan niya.
Sumama si Locket paglabas ko ng presinto, it's a sunny and hot day. Tirik na tirik ang araw pero ito kaming dalawa at halos 'di na makita ang mukha dahil sa kalokohan namin kanina. I even saw the weird stares people are giving us but we remained unbothered.
"Hanap na lang akong taxi," I told him when I remembered I only went here with a cab because of panic.
"No need," he said kaya nagtaka na ako at nilingon siya.
"Huh?"
"Sa akin ka sasakay," aniya kaya unti-unting nanlaki ang mata ko, miski si Chichay na nag-iinarte sa braso ko ay nahulog ang shades na maliit para mapatingin kay Locket na natigilan pa sa amin.
"What?"
"Grabe ka..." I smacked him softly on the chest. "Bakit...bakit ikaw ang sasakyan ko?"
"The fuck...no!" his eyes widened. "I mean we should ride my car—"
"Grabe, Lt. Col., wild ka pa rin pala?" mahinhin kong sabi. "Ganyan ka rin dati, ah? Akala ko ba, binatang Filipino ka? 'Yon pala, ror ka rin." I muttered and laughed playfully, only for it to turn into a scream when he nonchalantly carried me on his arms and walked.
"Locket! What the hell?!" I exclaimed and Chichay just barked a bit, mukhang excited pa na buhat kami ni Locket. "Lorcan!"
"Shh, you're such a bratty penguin today, Pinga." Aniya kaya gulat lang ako, hindi na makagalaw sa braso niya sa takot na mahulog kami ni Chichay sa kalikutan.
We entered his car when he asked me to open it for him at marahan niya kaming ipinasok sa shotgun seat. I saw how he walked towards the driver's seat and started driving after we're all settled.
I removed my cap and jacket after the car started, nakita kong napasulyap sa akin si Locket at inabot ang aircon para mas lakasan.
"Mas lakasan ko 'yong aircon or you'll open the window?" he asked kaya tinuro ko ang window at mas napangiti ako nang walang pagdadalawang-isip na pinatay niya ang aircon at hinayaan akong damhin ang hangin sa labas.
I closed my eyes when I felt relieved when the wind touched my face, sumulyap ako sa may salamin habang inaayos ang mask at sinusuklay ang bangs.
"You're super gago talaga, Locket. Talagang ginawa mong full bangs, ah?" I noticed at natatawang sumulyap siya sa akin at bumalik ang tingin sa daan.
"Elementary ka na, Crest. Congrats." He said at kung p'wede ko lang siyang batukan ay ginawa ko na.
I played with his stereo while we're on our way, nang makapili na ako ng song ay sumulyap ako sa kamay ni Locket at natigilan nang mapansing may maliliit na red spots sa kamay niya.
"Oh, what happened to your hands? Allergy again?" I asked at napatango siya at sumulyap sa kamay niyang nasa manibela.
"Yeah, just handpicked some flowers." Aniya kaya napaisip ako.
"I see...uminom ka na gamot?" I asked and he nodded.
"Yes, mawawala na rin 'to." Sagot niya kaya muli akong napatango at mas na-curious. "Sino namang binigyan mo? Nililigawan?"
"Not yet, hindi pa ako pinapayagan, eh." He answered kaya nakagat ko ang labi ko.
"Uh...is she an important person for you?" I asked, "kasi...'di ba, you said you love me earlier tapos may liligawan ka pala kapag pumayag siya?"
"Kung papayag nga siya," he answered. "Papayag ka ba?"
"N-na?"
"Na ligawan kita?" sulyap niya kaya mas suminghap ako at mas nagwala ang puso, sumandal ako sa upuan habang hinahaplos ang ulo ni Chichay na parang nanunuod lang ng telenovela kung makatingin sa aming dalawa.
"P-paanong ako?" I asked, "you said you handpicked flowers for that girl you like. Sino ba? Si...Carol? Si...Lauren?"
"What?" he glanced at me, "why would I give flowers to them?"
"Kasi...you liked them?" I asked and he suddenly chuckled and shook his head.
"Why are you so slow, baby? You think I'd be this cheesy and weird around you if I like other girls?" he asked.
"Hindi! Pero kasi s'yempre, hindi ko naman alam ang nangyari sa'yo. We haven't seen each other for a year, we parted fine naman pero hindi naman natin alam."
"The last thing I'd do in this life is to cheat, Pinga. You don't deserve to get cheated and I know I don't deserve that too. We may not have a relationship now, we might end it a long time ago but my heart stayed with you." I didn't know how to react while hearing his words. "Do you think I have time to play with girls around if I'm missing you like hell?"
"Wala naman kasi tayong relationship!" I defended, my heart pounding harshly. "A-and I don't know if I...feel the same."
"That hurts," he chuckled kaya sinulyapan ko siya. "Because my heart's still with you, Crest. You took it with you when you left but it doesn't matter, I can at least work to please you again, right?"
"Locket..."
"I know I have a lot of competition now when it comes to your attention." He said. "But I'm willing to work hard for you, kahit maging ugod-ugod na ako kakaantay sa oras ko dahil sa pila ng manliligaw mo, ayos lang."
I have this mix emotions right now, halo-halo ang gulat sa naririnig at ang kilig at kaunting doubt.
"P-pero you like Lauren, right?" I asked and he glanced at me like I'm someone ridiculous saying that.
"What? I didn't like Officer Lagan that way, Crest." Aniya kaya natigilan ako. "Pero kasi crush mo siya? Pabalik-balik ka nga sa CR noon kasi nandoon siya?"
"No," he chuckled. "I am walking there to check on you, Pinga."
My eyes widened more, "pero sabi kasi..."
"She misheard it, I guess? It's Adam who likes her, not me." Aniya kaya mas lumuwa ang mata ko.
"Seryoso?!"
"Yeah," he nodded. "Nagpapakatorpe ang gago, ayaw magsabi kasi nagsusungit sa kanya si Lauren, I think it was when Earn said na sige ka, kapag si Padlock crush si Lauren—I think that's it? We saw Lauren blushing after that and I have no idea about everything that way, basta nagbatukan na 'yong mga pangit mong anak."
"Oh...God." I said.
"If I can't have you, I might just die alone, Pinga." He said kaya mabilis ko siyang nilingon.
"Anong die-die? Tungaks ka ba?" I hissed and he laughed at me. "Sige, tawa-tawa ka diyan. Sungit-sungit mo pero kapag magkasama tayong dalawa, ang word count mo p'wede ka ng isali sa essay competition, eh. Makatawa ka pa, wagas!"
And the brute just laughed harder at me, "because you're an adorable bratty penguin, love. Cheesy but it's only you who could make me do this. If the boys drew penis on my forehead, I might just throw them all in jail."
Mas napanguso na ako at humalukipkip.
"Sus, Lorcan Keith, pa-fall ka lang, eh." I said instead pero sa loob-loob ay nagwawala na ako.
"No need to pull you down with me, Crest. I already fell for you, a long time ago. I'm just waiting for you to fall again for me, I promise to catch you always. Whatever your decision will be, accept me or not, I'll respect it. Kung ayaw mo na talaga sa akin, it will hurt but I will do my best to understand. Whatever happens, I always got you."
Hearing those words...I felt like I'm in peace. I felt like it was the most genuine words I'd ever heard from a man.
"I can tell you my journey to self-healing, if you like." Aniya kaya nilingon ko siya, "I went to a psychiatrist, you know? I had sessions to help myself move on from emotional trauma, after you left me, I was a mess. You know how much I blamed myself for everything, kahit sabi mo, walang magagawa ang pagsisisi ko sa sarili sa mga bagay na hindi ko makontrol, pero sinisi ko pa rin. I blamed myself about Ver's death, because I couldn't save her. I blamed myself for your trauma, to everything that had happened to you because I could've done something but I never did."
"Hindi mo 'yon kasalanan, Locket." I said.
"I know but I know too na I could've done something." He sighed, "when you left, it made me insane. I felt alone, wala namang pakialam sa akin sina Mom. You know they even blamed me about Eugene? They told me I was such a trash and a disgrace for dragging Eugene down? He's the general's son, dapat daw ay hindi ko na kinalaban. They got mad at me for that, funny to say now but they disowned me."
I froze, "L-Locket...I-I'm sorry, I..."
"It's not your fault, Crest. It's my decision to stand against him. He may be higher than me, he may have more influence than me but it's my responsibility to help victims, not that abusive man with power. No." He shook his head and I noticed how proud he is with that kaya mas napangiti ako.
Locket and his principles...who would not fall for you, my Pingu?
"What happened, then? Are you okay now?" I asked and he nodded.
"Yes." He nodded and chuckled, "I'm just happy to finally say this to someone."
"What do you mean? Hindi ba alam nila Earn?" I asked and he shook his head.
"No, I didn't know how to tell them my family disowned me completely now. I didn't even know how to open up. I just buried myself in cases, paperworks."
"But you...you easily told me about it. Anong kaibahan sa kanila?" I asked.
"You're my comfort zone, Crest. I'd never hesitate to tell you such things. You're my safe haven." Nangilid ang luha ko roon, nakagat ko ang labi ko at napasinghot.
I saw how he stopped, mabilis niya akong nilingon at nang nahuli niya akong sumisinghot ay mabilis niyang iginilid ang sasakyan.
"N-no, sorry! I-I'm just..." I shook my head to hide my face but he was too quick to unbuckle my seatbelts and pulled me closer to his body.
"Why are you crying?" he asked me softly and I shook my head, sniffing while burying my face on his neck.
"I-I'm just touched," I whispered. "K-kasi kahit hindi tayo nagkita ng matagal, h-hindi ka nagbago sa pakikitungo sa akin, n-nagkasakitan tayo pero...ito ka, ito tayo, walang samaan ng loob."
"Why would we treat each other badly, Crest, hmm?" he whispered and kissed my hair while hugging me. "No one's perfect, may mga mali tayo noon. Instead of blaming ourselves, each other, isn't it better to just improve and be better?"
I nodded again and closed my eyes.
"L-let me think, hmm? Let me think first." I whispered and he nodded, kissing my hair again.
"I will wait for you...pipila lang ako sa dulo at baka sakaling sa future, manalo sa raffle tapos may VIP access." He whispered, teasing this time kaya natawa na ako at pinalo siya, sumisinghot.
That ride home is so peaceful kahit na umiyak ako, Locket went to buy me take outs so Chichay and I could eat habang nasa biyahe.
"Hmm, malapit na pala tayo sa bahay." I muttered while glancing at the road, munching my fries pero biglang natigilan nang may maisip. "How...you know where my house is?!" nilingon ko siya.
I saw him stunned for a while pero mabilis niya akong nilingon at umiling, "tama ba 'yong daan?" aniya kaya gulat na napatango-tango ako.
"Oo, how did you know?" I asked, staring at the exclusive village's guards pero sa halip na harangin ang kay Locket na sasakyan ay sumaludo pa ito sa amin.
"Hula ko lang," aniya at bumaling kung saan. "Tama pala rito? Saan ba liliko?" he asked kaya mas nangunot ang noo ko at tinuro ang daan pero lumiko na siya kaagad.
I was watching him drive ridiculously in front of my house, he was asking pero mukhang sigurado na siya sa daan kaya pinanliitan ko siya ng mata.
Bumaba rin siya para pagbuksan ako. He carried Chichay before reaching for me kaya bumaba na rin ako.
I opened my gate and Chichay got off his arms the moment she saw our house and ran inside like he missed it so much.
"She didn't even say bye to me," ani Locket kaya natawa na ako at inabot ang cap niya para ayusin.
"She may be excited, may manliligaw 'yang Chihuahua diyan sa kapitbahay." I sighed, "may butas diyan sa may bakuran ko, secret meet up place nila. Nahuhuli ko nga minsan eh, alam mo naman 'yang si Chichay na ang harot-harot, kumekerengkeng."
He chuckled and nodded, dumungaw siya sa bahay ko bago bumaling sa akin.
"You got a nice house, it feels comfy." He said kaya tumango ako.
"Yeah, I helped in designing the interiors, kasama ko ang Architect kong pinsan sa paggawa ng disenyo kaya 'yan." I said, "isa pa, this house means a lot to me, this is the first thing I spent my personal money when I earned a lot."
I saw the adoration on his eyes while staring at me, "I'm proud of you. You are really talented and clever, Pinga."
"It's hard work lang, Locket. I learned a lot during those times before and luckily, it's for my betterment as a person. Ikaw din, I am proud of you for standing up for what's right, I am proud kasi you became a better person, tayong dalawa. I am glad we healed ourselves and didn't feel scared asking for help, right?"
"Yes," he nodded at me.
"Uh, 'yon lang. Salamat nga pala for today, Lt. Col. I had fun with you and the boys, salamat sa pagtulong sa akin doon sa robbery. I am glad speaking to you about this matter."
"Thank you for listening too," he said kaya napatango ako at inilahad sa kanya ang kamay ko.
"High-five for being a better person?" I said and he gave me a high-five kaya natawa ako, I was planning to withdraw my hand from him but he immediately grasped my fingers, intertwining it with his as he slowly pulled it closer to his lips beneath his mask for a quick kiss.
I was startled that I felt butterflies on my stomach circling the moment he did that, nagkatinginan kaming dalawa at nakita ko ang amusement sa mata niya, lalo nan ang marahang haplusin niya ang palad ko ng daliri at ibinaba.
"What's that?" I asked lowly and he tilted his head a bit and shrugged.
"A goodbye kiss, I guess? For today?" aniya sa akin kaya napatango ako at marahang kinuha ang kamay ko mula sa kanya, itinago ko iyon sa likod ko at marahang kinurot pa para pigilan ang kilig.
"Uh, uwi ka na pala at hindi ka rin nakatulog!" I said cheerfully but it's just to hide my shaking voice. I don't like to sound too excited for him!
"Alright," even with his mask on, I can almost see him smirking at me kaya pinilit kong hindi magpakita ng kahit ano sa mga mata ko habang nakatingin sa kanya.
"Ingat, ah?" I said, "and...text me when you're home!" pahabol ko pa bago kumaway, nagmamadaling tumalikod papasok sana but a grip on my arm stopped me, nang lingunin ko si Locket ay nakita kong inilalahad niya sa akin ang phone niya.
"Huh?" I asked when he put his phone on my hand.
"Put your number in there," aniya kaya napatitig ako roon pabalik sa kanya. "For?" I asked.
"So I could text you...when I'm home?" aniyang nagtatanya pa kaya suminghap ako at napahawak sa buhok, I slowly nodded. I swiped his phone and asked for his password again.
"Anong meaning nito? Birthday mo?" I asked while typing the password and I heard him chuckled, dinudungaw akong i-type ang number ko sa phone niya.
"Nah, it corresponds to letter, 3, 22, 19 and 4." Aniya kaya mas nangunot ang noo ko.
"Meaning?"
"You can decode it yourself." Aniya kaya napatango na lang ako bago nag-type ng contact name ko.
Crest-ganda
I giggled when I gave him his phone back, inangat naman niya iyon sa ere bago kumaway sa akin.
"I gotta go, Pinga. I'll tell you when I'm home." He said kaya tumango ako at kumaway din sa kanya.
"Okay, ingat!" I exclaimed and when I closed the door, I heaved a deep sigh and touched my thumping chest.
I calmed myself down before walking towards my house to check on Chichay when my phone rang, inabot ko iyon at nang makitang unknown number ay nagtatakang sinagot ko.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Pinga. I'm home." A voice answered kaya halos lumuwa ang mata ko.
"What?!" I gasped. "Lorcan Keith?"
"Yeah, it's me." I heard his hoarse laugh, "I'm home."
"What?!" kumunot ang noo ko. "I literally just stepped on my house, Locket!"
"I was...quick, I guess?" I heard the amusement on his voice. "Anyway, have you decoded it, Pinga? It's initials. Decode it with the numbers 3, 22, 19 and 4. I'll give you a quick tip. The last one is D, as in my surname."
"No pa, kakapasok ko pa lang ng bahay, Locket. Ang bilis mo naman?" I asked, confused pero tinawanan niya lang ako.
"Speed, Pinga. Speed." He said, "anyway, I gotta go, I have to rinse these things you drew on my face. I have a meeting with the higher ups later, don't like them seeing me with a fucking penis on my forehead."
Napahagalpak na ako ng tawa roon. "Well, same, Locket. I don't like my fam seeing my forehead with your imaginary full bangs."
We said our goodbyes and I got inside the house, I removed my mask and cap, kaagad akong naupo nang makakita ng papel para ilista ang numbers na sinabi niya sa akin.
3, 22, 19 and 4.
I saw my Chichay going inside the house like a queen with her wiggling booty, napailing ako dahil mukha kumarengkeng na naman ito sa Chihuahua na alaga no'ng kapit-bahay naming 'di ko kilala.
"Three is C, twenty-two is V." I wrote. "Nineteen is S and four is D." I muttered.
C.V.S.D.
"What's this?" I muttered and stared at the letters again. Ang sabi niya, Dmitrov ang dulo so what is C.V.S.?
I heard a soft bark on my feet, si Chichay ay nagpapabuhat na pero napapaisip pa rin ako sa initials na 'yon.
"C.V.S." I muttered, "C is for..." I froze on the spot when I realized the initials are too familiar.
"Crest Veronica Sandejas?!" my eyes widened, bumaling ako sa papel at napatitig sa huling letter.
"Crest Veronica Sandejas-Dmitrov." I muttered, feeling my cheeks heating up, nakagat ko ang labi ko bigla at napasulyap kay Chichay.
"Sheyt...pakyu ka, Locket." I muttered a bit and fanned my face. "A-akala mo kikiligin ako rito, ha?"
"Gago ka..." I said and stood, trying to compose myself pero lumilitaw na ang ngisi ko. "Hindi ako marupok sa pa-initials mo...gago ka."
I covered my mouth, "enebenemen kese...ehehe." I giggled and when I saw Chichay staring at me like I'm a freak ay napatili na ako.
"Chichay, 'yong tatay mo malandi!" I screamed loudly and run towards her to carry her but she got scared as if seeing a ghost, I heard her whimpered and ran as fast as she could away from me but she's too late. Nahuli ko siya bago ko binuhat at isinayaw sa ere habang sinisipa niya ang mukha ko.
The next morning, I woke up feeling a bit haggard. I spent my whole day removing the signs of the horrible drawings Locket made on my face at madaling-araw na akong natapos! Pulang-pula ang mukha ko kakakuskos at napapairap pa ako dahil sa kalokohan ni Locket.
He freaking connected my brows! Made fake freakles on my cheek and a fake balbas on my chin! He even drew extensions for my bitin bangs! That jerk! But then, I remembered myself drawing penis on his forehead kaya it's fair, I think?
With flowers on my hand, I walked inside the cemetery the next morning after I went to work to meet some clients later at three. Pinuntahan ko muna ang mausoleum nina Mama Lena at Papa Jer para kumustahin sila bago ako nagtungo sa puntod ni Tita Ritch, my Clyte-Clyte's biological mother to say hi, as usual.
"I promise po, Tita. We'll do everything in our will to find Clyte-Clyte." I said and smiled, lighting a candle beside her tomb, I caressed it a bit and saw fresh flowers and realized it was either Tita Zid's or from my twin.
"Pumunta po ba si Tita rito?" I asked, "or si Chiel? Pasensya na po, Tita at hindi namin naprotektahan si Clyte, sorry po..."
I lowered my face and touched it again, smiling softly.
"But we won't give up po, hahanapin po namin si Clyte sa aming makakaya. We won't give up. We will bring her back, miss na miss ko na po ang Clyte-Clyte ko, Tita." I felt my eyes watering kaya hinawi ko kaagad ang paambang luha at pumikit.
"S-sana po...hanggang hindi pa po namin siya nakikita, I wish you watch over her, Tita. Sana po'y gabayan niyo po siya at ilayo sa kapahamakan, h-hindi ko po makakaya kapag may nangyaring masama sa kanya. H-hindi po namin makakaya, Tita." I almost begged her.
I spent almost half an hour telling her about my day kagaya no'ng sinabi ko kina Papa Jer at Mama Lena. Nang halos ala-una na ay nagdesisyon na akong umalis.
I fixed my round sunglasses, and my orange office skirt paired with my suit with the same color, sa loob ay may black sweetheart top ako. Inilagay ko ang handbag sa aking siko at hinanda ang Gucci scarf ko para sana ilagay sa leeg pero napasinghap ako nang liparin iyon ng hangin.
"Come on, really?!" I growled and ran for it. I almost gave up running after that scarf when it fell on the ground when the wind faded kaya suminghap na ako.
"Nakakaloka ha, naka-heels ako tapos pinapatakbo niyo ako?" reklamo ko bago dumukwang para abutin sana ang scarf pero kaagad na natigilan nang makita ang puntod katabi nito.
In loving memory of
Veronica Abad
My heart pounded, kaagad kong inabot ang scarf ko bago lumapit doon, tinatanggal ang eyeglasses, gulat pa rin sa nakikita.
Veronica...as in the Veronica?
Napalunok ako, kaagad kong tinignan ang araw ng pagkamatay at hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa natuklasan.
"It's her..." I whispered and gasped. "Oh my God, it's Ver."
I didn't know why but I found myself putting my scarf on the ground to sit on it, mabilis kong inilapag ang ang bag ko sa gilid at kaagad na nalungkot nang mapansing medyo maalikabok ang kanyang puntod. I saw withered flowers on the side like it was put here for a month or weeks ago.
I took a tissue from my bag, mabilis kong nilinis para tanggalin ang alikabok sa kanyang puntod. I even took my wet wipes to make it more presentable at nang magawa ko iyon ay napangiti ako.
"Sorry, Ver. 'Yan lang muna magagawa ko. Hindi ko kasi expected na makikita kita rito, I could've given you some flowers." I sighed and looked at my bag, naalala ko bigla ang tatlong pirasong daffodils doon na mula sa admirer kaya napatango ako at kinuha iyon bago inilagay sa puntod niya.
"Here! Sorry, kinuha ko lang 'to kanina roon sa nagpapadala sa akin." I said, I took my extra candles and lit it to give her some light. "Kumusta ka? Ay, pasensya na nga pala at hindi mo ata ako kilala. I'm Crest Veronica Sandejas.
"You can call me Crest, Ver." I said and smiled, touching her tomb, "pasensya na, I didn't know I'll see you here, my scarf brought me here and not bad, I am glad seeing you."
I didn't know why but it felt light, looking at her tomb right now, ang gaan-gaan sa pakiramdam. Kung noon siguro ay baka umiyak na ako pero ngayon, wala. I just felt light and overwhelmed of seeing her. Maybe, my sessions with Tito Thorn and other psychiatrists helped me a lot, not just in moving on, trauma but also, about acceptance.
The acceptance na hindi lang ikaw ang naging mahalagang tao sa buhay ng taong importante sa'yo. Na there is someone who used to hold their hands the way you do and you have to accept it, si Veronica ay naging parte ng buhay ni Locket and I am thankful for her because she made Locket tough.
"Thank you, Ver." I smiled at her. "I think we got the justice we deserve, against Eugene." Bigla kong naalala ang kaso niyang napasara noon kaya napabuntonghininga ako.
"But actually...I'm not being a pakialamera but you think we can do something to reopen your case, Ver?" I asked, "baka...baka makatulong na lalo ngayon ang Dad ko. He's a prosecutor now, he can request to file your case back in court. Kung...kung may maitutulong ako ay susubukan ko. Give me a sign, Ver. I want to...help, if I could to close your case and find out who killed you."
Suddenly, I felt a cold, harsh wind blowing my way and it made me shivered, napasulyap ako pabalik sa puntod ni Veronica Abad at kaagad akong napatango at ngumiti.
It's weird but I felt motivated after I talked to my clients that day, pagkauwi ko kaagad ay kaagad akong nag-research about sa brief discussion about sa kaso ni Ver. I checked her social media and found out her family rarely really visits her tomb at all.
I scrolled through her feed and saw that familiar dress she's wearing the night she was killed. It was an emerald green dress with a touch of red and while staring at the design, I know I've seen it before. I know that dress!
Nang may maalala ay tinakbo ko ang opisina ko sa bahay ko para tignan ang old sketches ko, I checked those designs I made way back in college and I spent an hour looking at it until a familiar design caught my eyes.
I can't be wrong...
"Oh, shit..." I muttered. "I fucking designed it before!"
Gasping, halos halukayin ko na ang old photos ko noong nasa kolehiyo at nakitang may mga litrato akong suot ang dress na iyon habang sinusukatan ako sa tamang size pero hindi natapos, it was my red dress who got finished first kaya sinuot ko noong graduation afterparty and this one...this was finished a few days after my graduation.
Yakap ang sketch at nakatitig sa picture sa social media ni Ver ay may kaunting ala-ala ang lumitaw sa utak ko.
Desperate to remember that faint fragments of memory inside my head, I asked my Tito Thorn a favor to schedule a hypnosis session and he agreed the moment I told him the details kaya kinabukasan kaagad ay naisingit niya ako.
"Are you really doing this, 'nak?" ani Tito Thorn habang sinisigurado niyang komportable ako sa aking pwesto.
"Opo, Tito." I sighed. "I-I want to help, I really think I've seen Veronica before, I know that dress she's wearing, I designed it. I know her for a brief time, I think."
Tito nodded, he told me what I could do and I did.
"Focus on the spot in the ceiling first, Crest and just relax." His voice sounded soothing and relaxing as he said that. "Slowly, you can feel your breathing slowing down, you felt like relaxing more and if you are relaxed enough, you'll close your eyes."
Slowly, I got lost with his voice as he told me things I told him about the memory I tried remembering, that night in a bar where I wore that green dress for the first time to try and distract myself days after I cried...the days after Eugene did that to me.
"You can hear the exact same music you heard that night as you made your way inside the bar. You saw the smokes, the people dancing inside, you saw the people's familiar faces on the crowd."
And I saw myself in there, like I was back the exact same day. My hair is in a ponytail, wearing that dress, smiling despite my anxieties and chaotic mind after the incident, trying to forget those things by partying and drinking.
I drink a little but when boys tried getting my way, I easily got scared. I went inside the bathroom to try and calm myself but I ended up crying on the cubicle, almost shaking in fear.
"Miss? Miss? Are you okay?" I suddenly heard a knock on the cubicle's door.
"Y-yeah..." I said and sniffed. "I-I'm okay, salamat..."
"Are you hurt?" I heard a soft, angelic voice outside. "It's okay, you can go outside, ako lang ang nandito. You can talk to me."
"A-ayos lang ako, Miss, salamat." I said and dried my face with my handkerchief.
"No, it's okay. Come on, labas ka. Do you need someone to talk to? Did someone hurt you here? Nahipuan ka ba?" aniyang puno ng concern kaya suminghot ako at napailing-iling.
Someone assaulted me, Miss...binaboy ako.
"Miss?"
"I'm okay," I said gently.
"You're not, I'm sorry, ayaw kong maging pakialamera pero kasi...I'm bothered hearing someone cry like that. You can talk to me, you know? I have a boyfriend, uh, he's a police officer! He's sometimes handling cases for women's right, mabait 'yon, we can help you."
Suddenly, I froze. Mabilis akong tumayo para buksan ang cubicle para sumilip at nakita kong nagulat din siya sa ginawa ko pero ngumiti.
"Hi, are you okay? Don't be scared." Aniya sa marahang tono, I saw her black eyes looking so gentle and she looked like I can trust her kaya nakagat ko ang labi at unti-unting lumabas.
"Y-you...you can help me?" I asked slowly and she nodded abruptly, offering me her hand so I could go out.
"Yes, we can work it out." Aniya. "You can trust me, ayos ka lang ba? We can talk about it, pumasok lang ako rito sa banyo kasi nabasa..." she glanced at her dress at nakita kong may mantsa iyon ng alak.
"What...happened?" I asked, drying my tears.
"Someone spilled a drink on me while I'm on my way here, I just met a few friends before going to meet my boyfriend. Maaga pa naman kaya nakipagkwentuhan ako, I'm not really into bars but...luckily, I guess, I'm glad kasi I saw you?"
"T-thank you, Miss." I bit my lower lip. "S-sorry, ah? Nakakaistorbo baa ko? Ayos lang talaga ako, m-may problema lang kasi..."
"Did someone harass you?" aniya kaya natigilan na ako, I saw the look on her eyes while staring at me and she looked so worried.
Slowly, I nodded and she gasped. Kaagad niyang inabot ang braso ko para tignan ang mukha ko.
"Ngayon lang? Oh my God! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Should we go to the hospital—"
"N-no'ng nakaraan pa k-kaso naiisip ko pa rin." I told her and she sighed, I saw the pain on her eyes while hearing me kaya tumango siya at ngumiti sa akin. "You can trust me, I can help you regarding this. Do you want to talk about it?"
Mabilis akong tumango at kaagad na nakampante nang ayain niya ako paalis sa bar pero nakita ko ang stain sa dress niya kaya tinawag ko siya.
"Ah, Miss?" I called and she glanced at me. "You will meet your boyfriend later, right?" she nodded.
"Yeah..."
"D-do you want to exchange clothes?" I asked her gently and smiled. "We have the same body size, I guess. If you'll meet him...it's better if walang stain ang dress mo?"
Her eyes lit up when she heard that, napasulyap siya sa dress ko bago namula.
"P-parang nakakahiya naman," aniya at natawa pa. "Ayos na 'to, Miss. I don't think he'll mind if my dress has stains."
"Kahit ano...thank you ko na kasi ang bait mo sa akin." I said and glanced at the dress I'm wearing. "And I designed this dress, personally. Sorry if nasuot ko na but...I can give it to you? Ako na lang susuot niyang dress mong may stain, para you will look extra beautiful when you meet your boyfriend later."
She suddenly chuckled, I saw her shy at first and glanced at her dress.
"Well...I actually was planning to just buy a new one but...you designed it?" she asked and I nodded, smiling. "Wow, that so adorable! You're talented! Ang ganda ng design, I haven't seen something like this before!"
"Let's say, it's my gift for you." I said. "Sige na, Miss. Ayos lang. Palit tayo para kapag aalis ka na mamaya, walang stain ang dress mo."
Seeing other people wearing my designs is amazing, the lady looked beautiful the moment we exchanged dresses and she even swirled to show it to me.
"Wow, we have the same size! This is pretty! I am honored to wear such creation from a beautiful aspiring designer." She smiled at me and I thought I'm seeing an angel because she looks so pretty and kind to me.
"Salamat, Miss." I smiled. "You're actually the first one na nakapagsuot ng gawa ko. Salamat for accepting it."
That lady I met in the bar's restroom is one of the kindest person I'd ever met, she proudly took a selfie with my gift for her and told me she'll post it and instead of going to the bar and talk, we went to a 24-hour coffee shop to talk and I was hesitant at first but she listened to me as I say it.
"You...you never called the police after that?" she asked me gently and I shook my head and sighed.
"Oo, natatakot kasi ako, Miss." Mahinang sabi ko. "T-the person who did to me is a police officer too, p-paano pala kung saktan ako? Ang pamilya ko?"
I saw how her eyes were filled with sadness too, inabot niya ang kamay ko at pinisil.
"It's...it's hard to speak 'no? K-kapag naaagrabyado tayo ang hirap magsalita kasi baka walang maniwala. Sasabihin nila, pa-victim tayo. It's scary speaking because we're afraid no one would hear us."
I nodded slowly, almost tearing up when I saw her eyes watering too.
"I can feel you, Miss. Someone harassed me too pero takot akong magsumbong." She said gently. "Can you tell me more? I...I think I can help you, my boyfriend and I may not be in a good slate right now but I know he'll check on your situation."
"S-sorry, nakakaabala ba ako? B-baka mas magkagalit lang kayo ng boyfriend mo?"
"No, we just fought because he has no time for me these days, ang daming trabaho, malapit na nga kasal namin pero mas inuuna niya 'yong kakahanap sa kung sino, sabi niya makakatulong din sa akin pero I just don't get it. I understand naman because it's his work but sometimes, medyo nakakatampo." She sighed. "I actually don't know, we might or might not broke up tonight. Ewan, magulo, eh."
"T-then..." bigla akong nahiya. "Parang nakakahiya naman kung dadagdag ako?"
"Our relationship might be in the rocks now, I know he'll never turn his back for responsibilities, Miss. My boyfriend, he's an honorable man, maprinsipyo 'yon. Trust me, he can help you."
I was worried for her but she urged me to speak kaya I did and told her my story and I saw how mad she is when she heard it.
"What hotel is that? We can check on it." Aniya.
"Vista hotel," I said and I saw her froze and stared at me intently. "C-can I know the date?"
"April 17 or 18, madaling-araw na 'yon, I think." I muttered at mas natigilan siya. I saw how she checked on her phone and then glanced back at me, I saw how horrified she look kaya nagtaka ako.
"Miss?"
"It's you." She whispered at bago pa ako makapagtanong ay nagsalita siya. "C-can I know your name, Miss?"
"Crest Sandejas," I said and she nodded, mabilis niyang binuksan ang notes at tinype doon ang pangalan ko. "Miss? Why?"
"I-I really think my boyfriend could help you." Aniya na mukhang nagugulantang kaya mas nagtaka ako. "In any case, if it's okay with you, can you tell me the name of the man who did that to you? I can...I can tell my boyfriend immediately about this, I believe he can help you."
"Uh..." even the sound of his name made me feel scared. "Eugene...Eugene Yuzon."
I saw how her breathing labored, napainom siya ng tubig at napalunok kaya mas nagtaka ako sa kanya.
"Miss? A-ayos ka lang?" I asked and she nodded at me, trying to calm herself too.
"Yes...yes." She nodded and searched on her purse and gave me a calling card. "Can you give me your number? We will call you immediately."
I nodded, I took her phone and typed my number on it bago ibalik sa kanya at mas mukhang nataranta siya roon, halong galit at gulat.
"Miss...?" I called because I was worried of her reaction but she sighed and calmed herself down, staring at me.
"I'm Veronica." She suddenly said and lifted her hand for me. "Veronica Abad, and I promise, I promise I'll help you."
"T-thank you..." I said and with my shaking hand, I took her hand for a firm shake.
"I'm Crest, thank you, Veronica." I said with a trusting smile on my face, hoping she'll call me the next morning to help me like she promised but she never did.
She never called me back, I...I didn't see her again. She just faded like my memories of her, those filled with hope. I buried her memories before like my hope for justice because I was still sad and disappointed that she didn't call me again.
My eyes got filled with tears, thinking she didn't call me back because she died the same night...
"Crest? Crest, snap out of it. Wake up!" I heard my uncle's voice and when I opened my eyes, I was crying hard, shaking in fear and in rage for what the fate decided to do to us. I cried, thinking how Eugene chained our lives with his games.
"V-Ver..." I cried loudly. "I'll help you, Ver, I promise, I'll help you."
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