Kabanata 7
Kabanata 7
"What's your position again, princess?" napakurap pa ng dalawang beses si Dad habang pinapasadahan ako ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa.
"Assistant!" I said proudly with a smile.
"Yeah?" Dad raised his brow at me, "yet you looked like the CEO, honey."
My eyes landed on my outfit, I am wearing a white strapless sweetheart top, cream colored suit na terno sa cream colored pants ko rin. My heels are white and my hand bag is has the same color as my terno.
Narinig ko ang tawanan nila Mom, Chiel at Adira kaya ngumuso ako.
"What? Edi, fashionista na assistant!" I defended pero tumawa lang sila sa akin.
"Tara na nga rito, 'nak. Para ka talagang Thallia-liit." Dad commented kaya ngumuso ako at natatawang lumapit sa kanila.
Chiel stood from his seat para ipag-angat ako ng upuan.
"Sit here, Madame." He even bowed a bit kaya natawa si Adira. I smacked his arm first but then sat in there.
Mabilis siyang naupo sa tabi ko. I smiled when he refilled my plate with foods at sumulyap ako kay Mom na nakangiting nakatitig sa akin.
"Pretty ba, Mom?" I smiled.
"Super." Mom answered me kaya tumalon ang puso ko sa tuwa roon.
"Thanks, Mom, mana lang sa'yo." I winked at her kaya natawa siya at tumango sa akin.
"How many hours you spent just to curl your hair, huh, princess?" Dad asked while reaching for my curls.
"Oh, just thirty minutes max." I smiled and I saw how his brow lifted.
"Wow, that's fast, hmm? I remembered that time I curled your mother's hair, we took almost an hour." Aniya kaya sabay kaming natawa ni Mom.
"You see, baby, sanayan lang kasi 'yan." Mommy told him, chuckling. "Sa skills 'yan."
"True, I can actually curl my hair with eyes closed, Dad." I said at napapantastikuhang nagpabalik-balik lang ang tingin niya sa akin at kay Mom bago napailing.
"Well, I guess I'd never understand that." Dad shrugged and took his coffee kaya ngumisi ako sa kanya.
I glanced at Adira and saw her smiling at me, kaagad akong kumaway sa kanya at inabot ang kamay niya. She accepted my hand kaya habang nasa ere ay ginalaw-galaw namin 'yon.
"How was school, Adira-babe?" I asked before lowering my hand.
"Tiring but great," she sighed. "You, Ate? Anong pinagkakaabalahan mo ngayon?"
"I have work now, am I great?" I wiggled my brows and she gave me a thumbs-up and nodded.
"Should I thank Lt. Dmitrov now, princess?" ani Dad kaya napabaling ako sa kanya.
"Huh? Why naman po?"
"Because...he gave you work? Well, it's shocking how he convinced you to do some work. I thought you didn't like working?"
"Well...madali lang naman, Dad kasi naturuan na ako no'ng secretary nila and they're good to me." I smiled. "They treat me like a friend, they don't treat me badly."
"That's great to hear but still, I am wondering..." biglang sabi ng kambal ko kaya nilingon ko siya. "You don't like to hang out with boys for a while kaya nakakagulat...unless..." he raised his brow at me.
My eyes widen, my heart thumped. Nakita ko ang nang-aasar niyang ngisi. His blue eyes glistened playfully kaya suminghap ako at sinuntok ang braso niya.
"H-hindi ko kaya gusto si Locket!" I exclaimed. "I-ikaw...ikaw ma-issue ka!"
He suddenly laughed at me, "what? I never said anything like that. Ikaw lang ang nagsabi."
My mouth parted, napatakip ako sa bibig ko at napasulyap sa mga magulang ko.
Mom is smirking, si Dad din ay natigilan nang marinig iyon at nasa ere lang ang sinisimsim na kape.
"I-I don't..." I trailed off. "Dad, hindi ko siya bet!" I lied in nervousness.
The dining room is quiet, I was waiting for Dad's violent reaction since he's always like that...sila ni Chiel noong may mga boyfriend o fling ako noon but...none.
Instead, he smiled at me, his blue eyes glistened playfully as he sipped on his coffee.
"Lt. Dmitrov, huh?" he raised his brow at me. "Good choice, princess."
My jaw dropped, I looked at him unbelievably and gasped.
"Are you seriously..."
"Well, I knew that man for years now. Great job at work, promoted at a young age because of his great performance. Responsible and a good man...and another plus now, he tempted my high maintenance daughter into working as an assistant." He smiled.
Gulat lang akong nakanganga sa kanya, "how..."
"Lawyers talk to police at times, kambal." Tawa ni Chiel, "sara mo ang panga mo at baka mapasukan ng langaw." He slowly closed my parted mouth kaya napatikhim ako.
"Seryoso?" sumulyap ulit ako kay Dad na nakangisi pa. "Okay...okay lang sa'yo na gusto ko si Locket?"
"See? I'm right!" hagalpak ni Alchiel kaya suminghap na ako at hinampas ang braso niya.
"Brutal mo talaga, Crest Veronica." Reklamo niya pa sa akin pero ang atensyon ko ay na kay Dad lang.
"Dad?" I called and he nodded and shrugged.
"Based on your exes before, mas okay ako kay Lt., mabait na bata 'yon." He said and glanced at me, "but it doesn't mean I'll just be okay with it, I'll still check on you two. You have to be a good girl too, okay? H'wag mo pasakitin ang ulo ng mga tao sa presinto."
"I don't," ngumuso na ako. "You're so mean to me."
He chuckled, inabot niya ang buhok ko at ginulo.
"Alright, take care. Goodluck sa work mo, I'm gonna talk to Lt. too to thank him and about you and please, I know you like Lt. Dmitrov, still, be a mahinhin girl. Does he like you too?" he asked.
I pouted, naisip kong muli ang usapan namin ni Locket at nakagat ang labi ko. I caught my Mom's teasing stares and my cheeks flushed, si Dad ay tumitig lang at nag-abang ng reaksyon ko.
"Well...that's between us na, Dad." I said shyly. "But I'm gonna tell you if...ano, if basta!" nag-init na ang pisngi ko at napapaypay ng mukha.
"Crest Veronica niyo...inlababo." Chiel teased kaya hinarap ko na siya at iritadong pinagpapalo.
"Stop fighting," Dad chuckled. "Let's eat."
It was a very good thing my Dad is good with me and Locket together. Hindi naman sa feelingera ako o ano pero I'm just happy because he's good with Locket and he's okay with me working in the precinct.
My parents were off to Davao today for a case meeting, like usual. Ako nama'y mamaya pa ang pasok kaya excited na ako but Clyte and I has something to do before I go to work.
"Punta kayong sementeryo?" Chiel asked when he saw me putting my lipstick on, dumungaw siya sa akin sa salamin.
"Oo, samahan ko si Clyte-Clyte at nami-miss ata si Tita Ritch." I smiled.
He nodded at me, tahimik lang siya no'ng una kaya pinagmasdan ko lang siya sa salamin at tinaasan ng kilay.
"Perhaps..." he licked his lower lip. "Can I take you two there instead?"
"Sabi na, eh." Natawa na ako. "Come on, Chiel. Malaki na kaming dalawa, we can go and drive to the cemetery or take a cab!"
"I have some spare time now, madadaanan din ng way ko papunta sa kliyente ang sementeryo." He explained.
"I love you, Chiel, okay? But...don't you have a life besides work or tagging along with us? I mean...jowa? The likes?" I asked.
He froze for a while, hinarap ko na siya at tinitigan sa mata.
"I go to bars with the boys." He said.
"And don't drink because you'll end up sleeping on the dancefloor?" ngumisi na ako.
"I have a social life, you see. Hindi lang halata." He told me, his blue eyes looked so serious but I know my twin by the heart.
"Eh, jowa?" I asked and smirked at him.
"Do I even need that?" he laughed a bit, naupo pa sa kama ko. "Bakit ba tayo nag-uusap dito? I just want to take you two to the cemetery and leave, it's not like I'll ruin your girl talk."
I rested my back on the side, crossing my arms and watched him. Malamig niya lang akong tinitigan pero hindi ako nagpatalo, I stared at him too and observed him.
"Don't tell me you still..."
He sighed and brushed his hair a bit.
"Don't go there again, Crest Veronica." He said. "I'm trying to distract myself too."
"But is it working?" hinawi ko ang buhok at tinignan siya.
"No..." he sighed again. "Fuck, I'm doing my fucking best, kambal."
My heart ache upon seeing my twin like that, I felt bad for him so I walked closer to him. Nang maupo ako sa tabi niya sa kama ay kaagad kong inabot ang batok niya.
"Tara nga rito," I muttered and he did his best to look tough but when he saw me not buying his acting, napailing siya at mabilis na inabot ang baywang ko. He rested his chin on my shoulder and sighed.
"Nahihirapan na ako." He whispered.
I closed my eyes and hugged him more.
Ako rin, kambal. Ako rin, hirap na hirap na.
"I'm just here, okay?" I said softly and touched his back. "I always got you, Alchiel."
Mahigpit niya akong niyakap at mariing ipinikit ko ang mga mata.
"I'm sorry for being a weakling," he said. "How about you? Are you fine? Do you have a problem? Just tell me, hmm?"
I wanted to speak but I hesitated.
Alam kong marami siyang iniisip at ayaw ko ng dagdagan pa.
"Ayos lang ako, wala namang problema." I whispered and tapped his back before smiling. "I'll be your positive energy! Smile na, kambal!" I said, giving him my positive vibe but it's otherwise, it's me who's trying to get some bravery and positive energy from him.
Lumayo ako sa kanya at hinawakan ang pisngi niya.
"Sige, hindi ka pangit today, gwapo ka. Basta ba, smile ka?" I said and he looked at me seriously at first but then laughed and nodded.
"Alright." He shook his head and pinched my cheek. "I'll be smiling kasi gwapo ako today, right?"
"Hmm!" I nodded and grinned. "Pero pangit ka ulit bukas kaya dapat sulitin mo na." I teased at sabay kaming nagkatawanan.
Hindi ko na rin naman napigilan si Chiel na makisama sa bonding namin ni Clyte dahil ang kulit-kulit ay ayaw magpatalo. Like he said, hinayaan niya rin naman na kami na bumaba sa sementeryo pagkatapos ihatid.
"Take care, you two." He lectured when we got out of his car. "No talking to boys, okay?"
"Oh, come on..." Clyte shook her head at him.
"Hayaan mo, si Tatay Alchiel kasi 'yan." I said and laughed when my twin glared at me.
"No, I'm just telling you two to don't talk to boys—"
"We shouldn't be talking to you too kasi, 'di ba? Boy ka?" Clyte smirked at him.
"Except me—" he even explained pero napairap na ako sa hangin. I caught him, covered his mouth with my palm and pushed him back on his car. "Crest—"
"Shh, nalipasan ka lang ng gutom." I said and when I successfully pushed him back sa sasakyan niya ay natatawang tumakbo kami ni Clyte palayo habang para siyang tangang sumisigaw doon sa amin.
Kaagad kaming binati ng guard pagkapasok namin. Clyte is known here since palagi niyang binibisita ang Mommy niya kapag wala siyang ginagawa, minsan kasama ako pero madalas mag-isa lang siya.
"Bisitahin niyo ulit si Ma'am Ritch, Ma'am?" ani Kuya guard na nakangiti habang nagsa-sign in kami sa log book niya.
"Ah, opo." Clyte smiled. "Nami-miss ko palagi." She chuckled.
When Kuya let us go, niyakap ko ang flowers na binili ko for Tita. Hawak-kamay kami ni Clyte habang naglalakad papasok nang may mamataan ako.
My eyes widen when I saw a familiar face going out of the cemetery, nasa kabilang daanan siya naglalakad pero hindi ako p'wedeng magkamali.
I memorized his body structure, his side profile and his hair and I know who was it.
"Locket!" I called but he didn't seem to hear me. "Locket!" I called again pero nakalabas na siya ng gate sa sementeryo at nawala na sa paningin ko.
"Locket?" nawala ang mata ko sa pinaglabasan ni Locket nang magsalita si Clyte.
"Hmm," I nodded at her, smiling. "It's him...hindi ata ako narinig."
"Is that the man you're talking about? 'Yong gusto mo?" she asked at ngumuso ako, tumatango sa kanya.
"Well, yeah. Siya 'yong Lieutenant do'n sa precinct na pagtatrabahuhan ko." I smiled at her.
"Hmm," she smiled. "Gwapo, huh? I never doubt your taste, Crest-Crest." She chuckled.
"Ako pa ba?" I winked at her. "And it's not just the looks, Clyte-Clyte. He's also a good, ideal man. He makes me feel happy, lahat sila sa presinto ay mabait sa akin and...you know what? He told me he likes me too."
Her eyes widen, I saw how a happy smile left her.
"Really? You didn't tell me the details!" she exclaimed happily, kumapit na sa braso ko and so, I told her about everything and I saw how she smiled at me.
"Well, I wanna meet that Lt. Dmitrov more now for he made my beautiful bestfriend fell for his charms." She chuckled. "But I was just wondering, Crest-Crest."
"Hmm?" I asked.
"I am asking just out of curiosity, hmm? I love you, I want the best for you and I hope you don't take this to your heart but...isn't it too soon?" she asked kaya natigilan na ako.
"How...soon?" I asked and she stared at me out of concern and squeezed my arm.
"You told me he's cold and a snob before, also, that he never showed affection noong una pero recently ay nararamdaman mong mayro'n na. You've known each other for what? Weeks?"
"Month and weeks na rin naman, Clyte-Clyte." I smiled. "And...I think naman na nagugustuhan niya rin ako and you know, he rarely smiles but I can make him smile without too much effort."
She stared at me intently and I stared back at her.
"Are you happy?" she asked and slowly, I nodded.
"Yes, Clyte. I have never felt something like this before. It feels new to me, it feels surreal." I smiled and she nodded, inilahad niya sa akin ang braso at mabilis akong niyakap.
"Then I'm happy for you. Masaya ako kapag masaya ka." She whispered. "Just please...take care of yourself and your heart, okay? I only want the best for you and if that man could make you happy then I am happy to meet him too because he makes you smile. I'm so sorry for being overreacting, hmm?"
"No, you're not being OA, Clyte-Clyte." I smiled and hugged her back. "I'm glad you voiced it out, I'm so glad you are worried and concerned with me. I love you too, Clyte."
"Hmm, you too." She chuckled.
"Please don't leave me, okay?" I said and moved away and stared at her. "Hindi kakayanin ng heart ko kapag wala ka. Dito ka lang sa'min, hmm?"
"I won't go." She chuckled. "Don't be silly, hindi ako aalis." She made a pact.
We went together to her mother's grave, we stayed there for an hour, talking to Tita Ritch. Ayos naman kami noong una but then, Clyte is too emotional and began crying while telling her things and I stayed there, listening.
She voiced out her pain. Dinamayan ko siya because she needed someone to talk to, I hugged her tightly and told her everything will be alright in time.
Fortunately, umayos din ang pakiramdam niya pagkaraan. We spend our time in the mall and ate, we had our usual girl to girl talk and I am really glad having her with me.
She and Chiel are my bestfriends eversince we were kids. We like playing dolls, barbies, lutu-lutuan and then Chiel would come and join us kahit na madalas ko siyang ginagawang customer o kaya katulong sa lutu-lutuan dati.
I have other friends but Clytemnestra and Alchiel are the ones who's engraved in my heart.
"Anong bibilhin mo?" ani Clyte nang yayain ko muna siyang pumunta sa pastry shop habang nasa mall kami bago kami pumunta sa kanya-kanyang trabaho.
"I wanna buy macaroon for the boys." I smiled. "They did a great job sa fieldwork nila last time so I wanna congratulate them."
"You really like them, huh?" Clyte teased. "Parang noong nakaraan lang sabi mo sa'kin ayaw na ayaw mo na sa lalaki."
"Men are pigs, Clyte." I chuckled. "But not all, there is always an exception, kasama na diyan sina Dad, Tito, sina Chiel, ang pamilya natin and those boys, they are so good to me."
"Naku at talagang hulog na hulog na ang Crest-Crest ko." She pinched my cheek. "Basta ba, ayusin niyang si Locket at kapag sinaktan ka, sabihin mo tatambangan namin siya ni Alchiel. Siya hahawak, ako sasapak."
"Kaya love na love kita, eh!" I exclaimed and hugged her at sabay kaming nagtawanan doon.
I felt lighter after being with her like I always did, habang nasa cab ako patungong presinto ay nangingiti ako habang hawak ang macaroons at milktea na binili ko para sa presinto.
They'd like this for sure.
Bigla ko namang naalala si Locket, I remembered it when I saw him on the cemetery and it make me wonder. What is he doing there? Visiting a relative?
"Maybe I should ask him." I told myself and smiled.
Nothing could ruin my mood today.
When I got inside the station, kaagad akong binati ng ibang mga pulis. I greeted them back, giving them the other box of macaroons to eat.
"Salamat, Madame!" they even saluted.
"Walang anuman, enjoy kayo mag-eat!" I smiled and waved.
Naabutan ko sina Earn na nandoon sa may desk ni Adam.
"Uy, si Madame. Hello!" Brent greeted when he saw me.
"Mama Crest! Hello!" natawa na ako nang kumaway din si Earn at Adam sa akin.
"Hello, good noon, mga alaga ko." I smiled brightly, inabot ko ang box ng macaroon kay Brent na kaagad niyang kinuha.
"Ang ganda naman! Sana all!" ani Earn pagkalapit sa akin. "Naku, Madame, medyo kumalat ang lipstick mo." Aniya.
"Oh?" my eyes widen and he smiled.
"Don't worry, be happy! Ang fairy god sister mo ang bahala sa'yo!" he even twirled, making me giggle. "Ang wet wipes, Adam?"
"Oh, fairy god sister Ernesto..." ani Adam at nang matigilan si Earn ay napahagalpak kami ng tawa.
"It's Earn!" he hissed and rolled his eyes, lumapit siya sa akin at inayos ang kalat sa gilid ng labi ko. "Ayan, Madame! Mas fresh pa sa bagong bloom na bulaklak ni Tekla, mas fresh pa sa sayote ni Aling Ninay."
Parang tanga kaming tawa nang tawa roon sa kalokohan ni Earn.
"Anyway, saan na si Lt. Padlock?" I smiled at them.
"Ah, wala pa nga, Mama Crest, eh." Ani Brent sa akin. "He's late now which is very unusual. Tanghali na, eh, madalas nine pa lang nandito na 'yon."
Napasulyap ako sa orasan ko at mag-a-alasdose na ng tanghali.
"You know what? I saw him in the cemetery." I said and I saw how they all froze.
"Really?" Adam asked and I nodded, nakita kong nagkukumahog silang tumingin sa calendar at nagtaka ako roon.
"Why? Is it someone—"
"Lieutenant, salute!" sabay-sabay kaming natigilan nang marinig ang boses ng ibang pulis doon.
My smile appeared when I saw Locket on his police uniform walking inside. I saw how he nodded and walked closer to us, sabay-sabay na nagsitayuan ang boys sa tabi ko para sumaludo.
"Lieutenant!" they greeted and our eyes met kaya kaagad akong ngumiti.
"Salute!" I greeted too, inaangat ang kamay para sumaludo rin sa kanya.
I am smiling at him but to my confusion, he didn't smile back, his eyes remained stone cold. Nilingon niya lang ang mga lalaki at tumango. Nagpamulsa siya at walang imik na nilagpasan kami kaya nagtaka na ako.
I lowered my head and glanced at the boys.
"Why is he..."
"Ah...ano, baka may mens lang." Ani Brent na tumawa pa. "May emo moments talaga 'yan si Lt., hayaan mo na."
But I was not convinced, lalo nan ang nakita ko ang pananahimik ni Adam at Earn.
"Adam? Earn?" I called.
"Ah, Madame, salamat sa milktea!" Adam smiled. "Masarap, spoiled talaga kami sa'yo."
I nodded and smiled, itinuro ko rin sa kanila ang macaroons.
"Masarap 'yan, macaroons. Binili ko sa favorite na pastry shop ko." I said, "pahingi ako kaunti, ah? Bigyan ko si Locket—"
"H'wag!" they all exclaimed kaya natigilan na ako.
"Huh? Why?"
"H'wag na muna, Madame." Earn said, "busy kasi si Lt., may mahalagang case. Kami na lang magbigay."
I slowly nodded, nagpaalam ako saglit sa kanila, naupo sa desk ni Ate Minda na desk ko pansamantala at sumulyap sa pintuan ng opisina ni Locket.
There is something wrong...
He's not like that, nitong nakaraan, kapag nagkikita kami ay ngingitian niya ako pabalik at babatiin.
"Madame, lunch?" ani Earn sa akin nang maupo siya sa tapat ng desk ko habang nililibang ko ang sarili sa pag-o-organize ng folders. Abala pa rin siya sa pagsimsim ng milktea na binili ko.
"I'm still full," I smiled. "Salamat, Earn. Kumain na ako bago pumasok dito."
He nodded and take a bite from the macaroons he's holding.
"Madame, I'm just curious." Ani Earn ulit kaya napasulyap na ako sa kanya. "Are you and Lt. a thing now? If it makes you uncomfortable, it's okay na hindi mo sagutin."
"Well..." I closed the folder and sighed. "Secret lang, ah? But...alam niyo namang gusto ko siya, right?"
He nodded and stared at me.
"And...he told me he likes me too." I said softly. "And I've felt it too. He calls me Crest now, 'di ba no'ng nakaraan Veronica? I find it special but he told me Crest's more special so he'll call me that."
He smiled and nodded, "gusto ka rin ni Lt., Madame. I believed that. He was never like that before, he often smiles but when you came, he's always smiling and laughing and we're glad. You're slowly turning him back to the old him."
"What...do you mean?" I asked. "Masayahin ba siya noon? I mean, what happened?"
"It's not my story to tell." He shook his head and smiled at me. "But I wanna tell you na gusto ka namin para sa kanya. You're a good woman, Madame. We are so lucky to get to know you."
"Welcome..." I smiled at him, still confused. "But is he okay? Kakain ba siya?"
"Hindi raw at maraming trabaho," he smiled. "Hayaan mo na muna si Lt., wala sa mood, eh. Okay na ulit 'yon bukas o mamaya, don't worry. H'wag na lang muna natin istorbohin."
I smiled and nodded, glancing at his office's door again.
The boys left to eat lunch after a while, hindi ako sumama dahil busog pa ako sa pagkain namin ni Clyte kanina and I am worried for Locket.
Simula noong dumating siya ay 'di pa siya lumalabas ng opisina kahit man lang mag-banyo o kumain ng lunch.
I sighed, kinuha ko ang milktea na para sa kanya sa ref at ang macaroons na tinira namin for him. I made sure the milktea is not sweet because he didn't like the taste.
I was hesitating for a while but I was so worried so I knocked on his door and opened it to enter.
The cold air from the aircon almost made me shiver, pagkapasok ko ay nakita kong abala siya sa pagsusulat ng kung ano sa records niya, hindi man lang nag-angat ng tingin sa akin kaya nag-alala na ako.
"Locket?" I called, "hello, sorry for barging in but kasi I was worried, you okay?"
"Yeah." He said coldly while still staring at the papers.
My forehead creased, lumapit ako at marahang ipinatong ang plastic ng milktea at ang maliit na box kung nasaan ang macaroons sa lamesa niya.
"Uh, ano pala, nakita kita sa cemetery kanina." I said and I saw how he froze, doon na siya tuluyang nag-angat ng tingin sa akin at halos kilabutan ako sa malamig niyang mga mata.
This is very unlikely of him now.
"Ano kasi, may sinamahan lang. Nakita kita tapos tinawag kaso hindi mo naman ako narinig ata." I smiled at him. "Sino binisita mo? Relative?"
I was waiting for his answer but he remained staring at me kaya napakurap ako.
"O-oh, I'm sorry, am I being nosy?" I chuckled nervously and brushed my curly hair. "Sorry for asking, uh, sige kain ka na. may milktea at macaroons akong binili, don't worry, hindi 'yan matamis kasi 'di ba, ayaw mo?"
"No thanks, Miss Sandejas." Aniya at bumaling muli sa sinusulat kaya kumalabog ang puso ko.
Miss Sandejas? I thought I am Crest now...
"Pero hindi ka pa kumakain," I said and softly pushed the foods towards him. "Baka malipasan ka."
"I'm full." He said, hindi tumitingin. "Take that out, thanks for the offer."
"No, you should eat. Kahit paunti-unti lang," I said. "Mahirap kapag nalilipasan ng gutom, sasakit ang sikmura mo. Ayaw mo ba nito? Perhaps I can buy you other foods—"
"I said no, bakit ba ang kulit mo?" nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin at kaagad na kumalabog ang puso ko.
"I'm just concerned, Locket, why are you mad? Baka lang sumakit ang tiyan mo—"
"Get out. I don't have time babysitting brats like you now." He said seriously and I can feel my heart ache.
I slowly nodded and bit my lower lip.
"Pasensya na," I lowered my head a bit. "But I'll just leave the foods here baka magutom ka. If not, you can just give it to the boys or throw it...sorry again."
I saw how his eyes remained staring at me but the coldness vanished, I saw how confusion and emotions I couldn't name clouded his eyes.
"Crest, I'm sorry, I—"
"Sorry din, sige, Lieutenant. Labas lang ako." I smiled at him. "Sorry sa istorbo." I said and lowered my head a bit and turned my back on him to get out of the office.
I was composed when I got out, even smiling a bit but it disappeared. Mabilis akong bumalik sa desk ko, ang puso ko ay malakas ang kalabog. Mabilis kong kinuha ang bote ng tubig ko bago dire-diretsong uminom, pinapaypayan ang mukha ng kamay para ikalma ang sarili.
"It's okay, Crest. It's gonna be okay." I whispered and closed my eyes, sighing.
I heard his office door opened, kumalabog ang puso ko. Mabilis akong sumulyap sa mga folder sa harapan ko at binuksan ko iyon.
"Crest..." I heard his voice and my heart thumped. "I'm sorry about—"
"Oh, Lieutenant! Lumabas ka sa lungga mo, finally!" I almost sighed in relief when I saw the boys approaching, kaagad nilang sinalubong si Locket na hindi nakalapit sa akin kaya lumuwag ang paghinga ko.
"Wait, let me just—"
"May dala kaming pagkain, Lt. Padlock, kumain ka na. Tara!" I heard Brent said at nang lumingon ako ng bahagya ay tinutulak na nila pabalik si Locket sa opisina.
"Madame, binilhan ka namin ng food." My eyes shifted and saw Earn smiling at me. "Masarap, may garlic rice sila, 'di ba gusto mo no'n? Ito, oh."
My heart felt warm when he said that, kaagad ko iyong inabot at ngumiti.
"Salamat, Earn."
"Welcome, thank you na rin namin 'yan sa pasalubong mo kanina. Masarap." Ngisi niya. "Tara, Madame, guluhin natin si Lt. sa opisina." He offered his hand so I could come with him but I shook my head.
"It's okay," I smiled at him. "Nag-usap na rin naman kami kanina, medyo busy na ako, eh. Kayo na lang. Salamat."
I noticed his confused eyes but when he saw me not planning to take his hand, he nodded and smiled.
"Alright, basta katok ka lang kung gusto mo, ah?" he saluted kaya ngumisi ako at nag-salute rin sa kanya.
I busied myself into eating on my table and staring at my folders that time. I felt so lost while alone and I don't like it pero wala naman akong magagawa.
Dumating ang hapon na tahimik lang ako at nakikisakay sa mga lokohan ng mga alaga ko. I keep on noticing Locket walking back and forth, dadaan sa akin tapos titikhim at papasok sa opisina at gano'n ulit.
"Ikaw na magbigay, dali!" I heard a voice, sa paglingon ko ay nakita ko sila roon na nakatayo sa may gilid.
My forehead creased when I saw Locket being pushed by the three, kumunot ang noo ko roon at akmang magtatanong pero napasinghap lang sa gulat nang tuluyan na nilang itulak ang huli.
He lost his balance, sa gulat ko ay bigla siyang napaluhod sa tabi ko at nagkatinginan kaming dalawa.
My eyes widen, his eyes widen too.
"What are you doing?" I asked, confused and he just stared at me, blushing.
"I-I'm just—"
"Nak ng...Lieutenant naman, ayusin mo!" I heard Adam hissed and he gulped, still kneeling beside my seat and lifted his hand.
My heart hammered when I saw how he lifted his other hand. In it is a pluck of rose and he offered it to me.
"For you, sorry, isa lang napitas namin sa may halamanan diyan sa labas. Pangit kasi mag-alaga ni Ernesto." He said.
"Hoy, Lt., sama ng ugali mo. Swerte mo nga may isa pa!" Earn hissed kaya nagkatawanan silang tatlo roon.
Locket cleared his throat and stared at my eyes. "I'm sorry for being rude. I'm just...I'm sorry."
I slowly nodded and smiled at him, "hindi naman ako galit. Ayos lang, sorry din kasi pakialamera ako."
"No." He shook his head. "Inubos ko 'yong macaroons 'tsaka 'yong milktea, I swear. Gutom na gutom na nga ako. Here." Bigla siyang tumayo, tumakbo pabalik sa opisina at paglabas niya ay pinakita niya sa akin ang walang laman na lagayan.
"Mabuti naman, salamat." I smiled and nodded, lifting the roses. "Thank you sa flowers, hindi naman ako galit, ayos lang." I said and nodded, bumaling ako muli sa mga folders ko at sabay-sabay kong narinig ang buntonghininga nila roon.
"Gago talaga kasi, Lieutenant!" narinig kong reklamo ni Brent.
I heard Locket's groan and when I took a peek, I saw the three of them punching his arm. Si Earn ay nangunguna pa sa pagbatok sa kanya.
When they're gone, I stared at the flower in front of me and I smiled.
I don't know what to feel now.
My phone vibrated, I saw my friend's name on it kaya kaagad ko 'yong binuksan.
From: Samantha
Hi, Crest! How are you? Hindi ka na namin nakikita masyado, ah? May gagawin ka ba? Sama ka naman sa'min mamaya, may bar na bagong bukas sa Bulacan tapos shop tayo!
Napaisip din ako roon pero wala na naman pala akong kasama sa bahay at ayaw kong mag-isa kaya nagtipa ako.
To: Samantha
Okay, see you later! 😊
I got out of work no'ng natapos ko na ang gawain.
"Ihahatid na kita," Locket said noong nagpaalam ako sa kanilang aalis na ako.
"No, okay lang." I smiled. "May pupuntahan lang ako kasama ng friends ko."
"Kahit doon lang sa location." He said. "I didn't see your car outside so..."
"Ayos lang, don't worry." I said, inayos ko ang handbag ko at sumulyap sa kanila. "Salamat sa rose, tatago ko 'to. Bye everyone! Ingat!" I said and waved.
Narinig kong tinatawag pa ako ni Locket habang palabas pero hindi ko na siya nilingon at dire-diretso ng lumabas.
I really don't know why I am like this. I am usually a cheerful person na mabilis lang makamove-on sa ganyang bagay because it wasn't new to me. College pa lang ako ay palagi na akong bida sa lahat ng masasamang usapan ng batchmates ko at ng mga lower and higher batch.
I am so used to them calling me names, being mean to me and I didn't take it to heart dahil wala akong pakialam sa kanila. They can call me whatever they like and I don't care because they weren't so important to me but now...I don't know why. Nag-sorry na rin naman na siya.
Maybe I was like this because Locket is important to me and how much I deny it, kahit sino namang importante sa'yo na mapagsalitaan ka ng gano'n ay masakit.
I'll get over this soon tho, I hope? Maybe after glasses of liquor?
"Cheers!" I lifted my glass, ibinangga ko iyon sa mga baso nila ang ngumiti sabay tungga.
"It's been a while since we last saw you, Crest!" ani Jellie sa akin.
"I just got busy with some things and work." I said and I saw how their eyes widen at me.
"Really? You have work now?" Samantha asked in shock and I nodded.
"Yes, bago pa lang—"
"Tss, that's what I've been telling you, Crest." Jellie sighed, stopping me. "They started taking your freedom now! See? Dapat kasi pinaglaban mo, hindi ka tuloy makasama na sa gala namin."
"No, no..." I shook my head. "They actually didn't force me to work, it's my decision."
Kung gulat man sila kanina ay nakita kong mas nagulat sila ngayon. "Are you freaking serious?! Crest Veronica? Working? What the hell?!" Samantha gasped.
"To think na it's her decision!" Jellie gasped in shock. "Wow, girl, what happened to you? You thought we're YOLO? Na-ground ka lang tapos ganyan ka na? What happened? Did that cut your cards or something?"
Kasama na 'yan, actually.
"Madali lang naman ang work. YOLO pa rin kasi I can do what I want." I shrugged. "And I was bored in the house so why not? I can notice some improvement with myself too, you know? I don't spend much na." I said proudly.
I was waiting for them to look proud or happy for me but they showed me that sour face.
"Boring," Samantha frowned at me. "Where's the fun in that, Crest? Sandejas ka pero masyado ka naman atang nagtitipid? Sa yaman niyo?"
"This is what I'm telling you. Parenting gone bad." Jellie said and stared at me. "That's so wrong, Crest. We're planning pa naman sana to go to Paris but you have work na pala and nagtitipid so..."
"I can still go to Paris, tho." I told her. "'Tsaka nag-a-assist lang naman ako sa work."
"And a lousy job for work." Samantha sighed. "Come on, Crest. Just inherit your Mom's business or something? To think na wala ka namang future sa firm niyo unlike your siblings."
"There's nothing wrong being an assistant naman, ah?" I said. "And Dad didn't force me to work, ginusto ko naman 'tsaka I can still come with you sa Paris naman, eh. Kailan ba?"
"No dates pa but good to know," Jellie tapped my shoulder. "Anyway, enjoy your work. Just RIP for all the fun you'll missed."
"You're so mean..." Sam smacked her arm and they giggled, ngumiti na lang din ako at muling tumungga.
"Hey, babe!" my eyes widen when I felt someone placed his hand on my shoulder and kissed my cheek.
Napatalon ako sa gulat at kaagad na kinabahan, mabilis ko itong naitulak sa gulat at napahawak sa dibdib nang marinig ang pagdaing ni Matthew.
"What the hell?" I cursed.
"Ang brutal mo naman," Matthew laughed a bit and stood straight, nakangisi rin si Lucas na tinapik ang balikat ng huli.
"What are they doing..." bumaling ako kay Jellie at Sam na nagkibit-balikat.
"You didn't ask," Jellie smiled and winked, "tara, Crest! Let's dance!" aniya at sa irita ko sa mukha ni Matthew ay sumama ako sa dalawa sa dancefloor para magsayaw.
I tried distracting myself. I hanged out with Jellie and Sam because I thought it's just the three of us, I am aware and know they have guy friends they hang out with but I didn't like to be in that circle of them. I just like hanging out with the two girls or some of our girl friends pero ayaw na ayaw ko kapag may kasama silang lalaking kaibigan like those two.
Damn it, I was doing my best to avoid that jerk pero ngayon ay nandito?
What the hell?
When I got tired from dancing, I sighed. I softly brushed my curly hair and fixed my coat which I also wear in work earlier. Naabutan ko si Lucas at Matthew na nakaupo sa may counter, abala sa phone kaya naupo ako para silipin ang bag ko.
"One margarita, please." I called the bartender's attention.
"One margarita for Miss Crest." He said kaya ngumisi ako at tumango.
"Nah, didn't know this girl has a scandal. Akala mo sobrang hinhin, wild naman pala." Matthew started. "Hindi lang isa, gago. Tatlo! Tapos iba-iba! Trabaho ata niyang magpa-ano..." he laughed.
"Remember Audrey?" Lucas laughed. "I remembered breaking up with her because she's not a virgin like she told me she is."
Natigilan ako roon, inabot sa akin ng bartender ang margarita at sumimsim. Marahan akong sumulyap sa dalawang abala roon at nakita ko sa phone na nanunuod sila ng kung ano.
It was in a pause but I can see an unfamiliar girl in there.
"Suits her right, akala mo mahinhin. Laspag naman pala." Matthew laughed. "I had the same issue with my flings before, sabi virgin pero gago, maluwang na pala."
I frowned.
"Mga peke ang gago, I was like excited to fuck them pero may nauna na pala? Sobrang disappointing." Lucas laughed. "Iniwan ko sa hotel, tang ina. Tigang na tigang na ako tapos biglang sasabihing hindi na raw virgin. The fuck? I spent three months for that relationship so I could get her pero gago?"
"Do you boys watch porn?" I asked when I couldn't stop my mouth anymore.
Sabay silang napatingin, I saw how Matthew's eyes widen when he realized I was here just a chair away from them.
"Yes, bakit? Ikaw din?" ani Lucas na ngumisi sa akin.
"And you two likes to fuck girls around, right?" I raised my brow at them.
"Yes, so?" Matthew then smirked at me evilly. "Wanna go to some room with us? Didn't know you've been eavesdropping. I like you but I would like to share you with Lucas here, right?" he tapped his back.
I was fucking surprised at his audacity but I remained unbothered...those words aren't new to me.
"Guys like the two of you are one of the reasons why porn industry is a hit. Just stay in a room or in a bathroom and watch, enjoying yourself watching women doing that kind of stuff just to satisfy yourself." I told them seriously. "You like to watch and fuck girls around yet shaming sex workers and non-virgin girls?"
I saw how the two of them froze.
"I won't be sorry to say this but if you like to shove your d-cks in any girls you'll see and know then how dare you have the audacity to shame women if you yourself can't even hide that under your pants?"
I saw how Lucas gulped, si Matthew ay tumiim ang tingin sa akin kaya itinaas ko ang kamay ko at pinakita sa kanila ang inumin.
"Fucking hypocrites." I sipped on my drink. "Lalaki nga kayo pero wala kayong balls." I shrugged, not even a bit of sorry for what I told them.
"You bitch!" Matthew exclaimed, akmang aabutin ako pero kaagad na may humawi sa kamay niya.
I was shocked at that but then I saw my cousin on my mother's side near me.
"Don't you try and touch my cousin." Mariing sabi ni Angelo, pinsan ko sa side ni Mom at boyfriend ni Samantha.
"H'wag kang makialam dito!" Matthew hissed, akmang aabutin ako pero kumunot ang noo ng pinsan ko at tinitigan siya.
"Just try and touch her, I'll make sure her father knows and I will see you in court." Mariing sabi ni Angelo at nakita kong natigilan si Matthew.
He looks pissed, hinihila siya ni Lucas para pakalmahin.
"Truth hurts, right?
"You bitch!"
"You wanna hurt me?" I smirked at them. "Alright then, if you would then wait for my lawyer's call. Here. Just choose." I gave them two calling cards.
"I'm not done with you." Mariing dinuro ako ni Matthew pero ngumisi lang ako sa kanya. I even flipped my hair and blew him a kiss, pissing him off more.
"You shouldn't piss the assholes more," ani Angelo sa akin pero natawa lang ako at nakipag-apir sa kanya.
"Hey, cousin, thank you. I missed you!" I smiled sweetly and offered my arms for a hug. "How are you? Hanap mo si Sam? She's in the dancefloor."
Of course, like usual, Angelo and Samantha fought again.
"I wanna break up with him, this ain't working anymore!" Samantha ranted while we're trying to calm her down.
"It's an emergency for work, Sam." I explained. "And he's on call, it's his patient. Manganganak na."
But she was drunk and ranting so much. "No! Palagi na lang siya sa trabaho! Nagpapasama ako para mag-party pero palagi siyang tinatawagan for emergency! I asked him to fucking resign but he didn't! Hindi na niya iniisip ang feelings ko!"
"Come on, just try to understand him, he's a doctor—"
"Shh, h'wag ka nang dumagdag, Crest!" Jellie hissed at me. "Let's just take Sam to shopping, I know a boutique near here, open hanggang mamaya."
Of course, as a good friend, sinamahan ko silang dalawa sa boutique na sinasabi nila but well, it didn't disappoint. It's been a while since I went into a boutique kaya sobrang na-overwhelm din ako sa nakitang dresses and clothes.
"Here, lagay mo diyan." The drunk Sam said and put her clothes on my cart, miski si Jellie rin ay nakangiting naglalagay doon.
We spent almost thirty minutes inside, Jellie said na ako na ang pumila kaya gano'n ang ginawa ko.
"Ma'am, next?" ani ng cashier kaya ngumiti ako at inilapag ang mga basket sa may counter mula sa cart ko. "Lahat po ba 'to, Ma'am?" she asked.
"Jellie?" I called and glanced behind me, nakita kong inaalalayan na niya si Sam na wala na sa wisyo roon. "How about your clothes here?"
"Ikaw na muna, Crest!" She glanced at me. "I will take Sam in my car na, ikaw na magbayad. Libre mo na kasi ngayon ka lang nagpakita." She chuckled.
"But..." I trailed off but she already left with Sam, napabuntonghininga na lang ako at bumaling sa cashier. "Lahat po." I said and gave her my card.
I was sighing while waiting for her to punch all the clothes, I am positive my father would scold me to death but those are my friends...they included me in their circle when no one likes me anymore because of my past issues with their jerk boyfriends.
"Ma'am, twenty thousand seven hundred thirty." Aniya sa akin. "Lahat po ba sa card?"
I slowly nodded and she did but called me again, "Ma'am, sorry but you only have ten thousand pesos limit for the card for each day." She said and my eyes widen.
"What?" I gasped.
That's a limitless card! Unless...oh my God, it's Dad!
I sighed, bumaling ako sa mga damit at nagsalita, "p'wede ba akong magbawas?" I asked and she nodded and let me.
Sadly, I was only left with one dress. The rest are for Sam and Jellie because they'll definitely get mad when I will tell them my card has a limit now.
"Sobra po ng forty-five pesos," ani ng cashier sa akin kaya kinuha ko ang barya ko sa bag at ibinigay sa kanya.
I was a bit sober and shock with what was happening, nasa elbow ko ang bag ko at nasa dalawang kamay ko ang mga shopping bags habang papalabas ng boutique na papasarado na rin.
"Jellie?" my eyes roamed the parking lot in front where her car is earlier but it was empty now. "What the hell? Where are they?"
Mabilis akong pumunta sa may side, I lowered the shopping bags and took my phone. I immediately called Jellie who answered me after five rings.
"Jel, where are you?" I asked.
"I'm so sorry we have to go first, Crest!" she exclaimed in the other line.
"What?" my forehead creased. "What about me?"
"Just...take a cab or something! I'm sorry, si Samantha kasi nasusuka na and I think she has to go home before she puked on my car—" narinig ko ang pagsuka ni Sam at ang matinis na tili ni Jellie bago namatay ang kabilang linya.
"What the fuck?" I cursed, tinawagan ko silang ulit pero walang sumasagot kaya napamura na ako.
I glanced at the boutique and it's already closed.
Damn it! I have no car! I didn't even know my way home!
"Fuck this..." I muttered and sat on the pavement, pulling my hair. I immediately took my phone again and called my Dad.
"Hello, Crest?"
"Dad—"
"Sorry, I have some important things to do. Talk to you later." He said and turned the call off.
I gasped, tried calling Chiel this time but he's unreachable so I called Adira.
"Ate?"
"Hey, Adira-babe—"
"Miss Sandejas, why are you using your phone inside the class?" I heard the voice kaya suminghap na ako. "Sorry, Ma'am, it's my sister—"
"No, no...sorry for calling." I sighed. "Sorry, may night class ka pala. Bye, Adira. Study well." I said sadly and turned the call off.
I started getting scared, the place looks so dark and it's scary. Suminghap ako at niyakap ang sarili, iniisip kung saan magsisimula para makauwi.
I stared at my phone and tried calling Clyte but her line's busy and she's maybe in her work so I didn't know what to do anymore. I called Earn and he answered me.
"Hi, Madame." He greeted.
"Hello, Earn, sorry for calling this late, I was just wondering if—"
"Earn! Tara nga rito!" I heard Adam's voice in the other line.
"Sandali!" he exclaimed and spoke again, "sorry, Madame, medyo male-late kasi kaming labas sa presinto kasi may kasong inaayos dito. Ano ulit 'yon?"
"Uh...are you busy?" I asked.
"Medyo lang—" he stopped. "Earn! Tara nga! Yari tayo kay Lt. kapag balik no'n." I heard Adam and he sighed.
"Oo na! Sandali, kausap ko si Madame!" he screamed back. "I'm sorry, Madame, ano 'yon?"
"Ah...wala." I smiled a bit at myself. "Sorry sa abala, ayos na pala. Sige, trabaho ka na, sorry, bye."
When he turned the call off, I felt so down. I closed my eyes and sighed, itinakip ko ang kamay ko sa mukha ko.
"You did nothing but to disturb other people, Crest Veronica." I whispered to myself and pulled my hair. "Stupid fool. Wala kang ginawang matino sa buhay mo."
I was so frustrated and desperate to go home, I would try to ask people how to go back to Manila at this time of the night but they're all just a bunch of stupid pigs na instead na sinasagot ako ay nang-gagago.
"Sakay ka na lang dito sa sasakyan ko, Miss. Dalhin kita sa langit." The driver even winked at me and my forehead creased, terrified and disgusted at him.
"No thanks," I smiled coldly. "Salamat po." I said and turned my back on him.
He called me again but I was shaking inside despite my calm composure and after encountering men like that, I chose to just sit in the pavement and wait for a miracle but no, no miracle came and as if world is playing with me...umulan pa.
And now, I am soaked in the rain, alone, lost in a place I didn't even know.
The liquor inside my body got washed away when the rain soaked my clothes. Nakatulala lang ako sa daan at katulad noong kapag mag-isa ako ay kung ano-ano na namang pumasok sa utak ko.
I closed my eyes while feeling the cold water on my skin. Niyakap ko ang braso ko at napatungo.
A memory flashed inside my mind, I saw myself excitedly wearing the red glittered dress I designed myself and the place shifted and it's me, crying hard.
I began shaking, I felt how tears fell down my eyes but luckily, it's raining and I'm alone and no one could ever see how weak I am. How scared I am. Na sa kabila ng masaya kong ngiti ay umiiyak ako kapag mag-isa.
I was hurt but no one knows...it left me scars and I don't bleed but it doesn't mean it didn't hurt.
"Fuck!" suddenly I heard a voice, bigla akong natauhan, akala noong una ay nag-i-imagine lang but then, I felt a warm cloth covering my head and shoulder.
Nawala ang pagtama ng tubig sa ulo at katawan ko.
I opened my eyes and saw a man in front of me and I stopped, as if I was in a nightmare at first but then he came and saved me from the monsters.
"Found you." He said, soaked in the rain and knelt in front of me.
"A-are you real?" my voice even shook while staring at his face, asking if he's just an imagination.
"Yes...yes, I'm here." He said softly and touched my cheek. "I've been looking for you. Fuck, you scared me, Crest."
I sniffed, I saw how he froze at that. His gray eyes widened. "Are you hurt? What happened? Why are you crying?" he scanned my face.
"L-Locket...you're here." I sobbed loudly at hindi na ako nakapagpigil, I pulled him towards me, hugged him tightly and he touched my nape, hugging me more, his warmth slowly removing the cold. His presence slowly killed the monsters inside my head.
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