Kabanata 12
Kabanata 12
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
We went all the way to Clark for my husband's race day.
We've been here for three days now. The first day, Zy and the other racers had a practice pit while I was working in the hotel room. Because of course, well, I'm still this idiot's secretary.
And he's having the time of his life driving which was understandable because I feel the same way when I'm with my bikes. Like usual, ako na naman ang nagtatrabaho. Nakakahiya naman sa acting director at sa susunod, kakausapin ko na si Sir Zeijan na ako na ang mamumuno sa agency.
I even scolded Zion for letting me talk to his team instead of him! They hated me, of course. Fuck him. Sumakit na ang mata ko sa sama ng tingin sa kanya, naghihintay na sabihing joke lang but he didn't!
He just smiled and pinched my nose, saying, "you got it, honey."
And I had no choice. I took notes when Will—who was also a racer and a part of his team. Yeah, he had the time to talk while my husband's being a little shit! He briefed me about their next operation and that's it. They didn't ask for help or tips which is...fine, I guess.
I have a few suggestions and secret entry points but why would they even listen to the enemy? Who knows if I'll trap them there to my advantage, right?
Jackie hated me, obviously. She was quiet and glaring while in the video call pero wala rin namang sinabing kung ano man.
Zy and I have seen each other in the morning pero 'di na kami nagpapang-abot sa gabi. He'll leave at ten in the morning for his race, may magpapadala ng room service sa akin ng lunch at dinner. Miski meryenda kahit 'di ko naman tinatawagan ang sa ibaba.
The foods are delicious I'm sure I have to do an extra hour for my work out. I bet it was his doing but I didn't have the chance to ask dahil nakakatulog na ako kapag dumadating siya.
That was our cycle. I missed my precious Twinkle but I know we couldn't bring her here. In public.
Yesterday was their qualifying round. Wherein whoever gets to have the fastest lap time would determine the line up at the starting line on race day.
Weirdly enough, Zion wasn't on the first line but I know what he's doing. He didn't want to just win. He wanted the fun, the adrenaline, the pride of overcoming obstacles and winning fair.
I was in an elevated platform area separated from the loud crowd and reporters. It was a private room of sorts. Air conditioned. The room had a full glass window, showing a full view of the race track.
May malalaking flat screen T.V. din sa loob kung saan p'wedeng mapanuod ang progress ng race. There are comfy chairs and sofas around. May sarili pang mini kitchen, bar counter at mga lamesa kung saan p'wede magluto ng pagkain o kaya'y kumuha ng slacks.
Ako pa lang ang nandito sa private area para mag-check. Pupunta at manunuod kasi ngayon ang pamilya niya. He actually had men from his team to check but I insisted I'd lead.
He let me. Hindi na kami nakapag-usap at tinawag na siya ng race team niya kaya nanguna na ako sa kwarto. I swept the room for any hidden bugs or camera that might compromise his family's safety. I was sure the windows are one-way glass, where I can see the outside but they couldn't see what was inside.
"Ma'am, ayos na po rito," the men checking the kitchen called out.
"Alright, thanks," tumango ako bago dumungaw sa salaming bintana. Ang mga tao'y nagkakagulo na at may ibang celebrity racer na narito rin.
I pressed my comms, "honey," I called before I could even realize what I've said.
Shit...sana hindi niya narinig!
I breathed. I waited for a moment, convinced he hadn't heard that until I heard his voice.
"Honey," he chuckled. "What's with my wife now being sweet to me, hmm? Missed me?"
Kumunot ang noo ko at nag-init ang mukha. Fuck it, Bullet!
Bumaling ako sa mga lalaking unti-unting umaalis at nang isara nila ang pinto ay sumagot ako.
"In your dreams," I spat, trying to stop my sneaky smiles, trying to avoid his teasing. "Tell your Dad na ako na ang papalit sa posisyon mo. I worked while you're having the time of your life, idiot. I deserved a new bike."
He chuckled, his voice sounds like music in my ears.
"Kiss muna?" He asked, "wala man lang ba akong good luck kiss d'yan, hun?"
Good luck kiss, was that a thing?
"Dream on," malamya kong sagot bago binuksan ang salaming pintuan para makasilip sa pwesto niya.
While his team was doing the final check to the car he'll use, he was resting his back on the wall facing the crowd.
His hair was in the sexy bun, wearing his black and red suit, a helmet resting near his feet. He was sporting a small smile, one hand on his phone while talking to me while his other hand was waving at the calling and squealing girls.
My lips protruded.
"Daming fans, ah?" I mumbled.
His chuckles filled the comms, "gwapo moments, baby,"
"Ang kapal ng mukha," I snickered.
Mas lumaki ang ngiti sa labi niya. Ibinaba niya ang kamay na kumakaway sa mga tumatawag ng atensyon at nahuli ko ang pagkislap ng mata niya.
"Ang s'werte mo pala sa 'kin 'no?"
"Mas s'werte ka sa 'kin," I scoffed. He laughed more and my heart jumped when he touched his jaw and titled his head.
Namula ang mukha niya. I wasn't so sure if it's the heat or because of something else but it made my heart jump.
"S'werte nga," he continued and no words left my lips when he lifted his head and our eyes locked.
Would it be corny if I said the look he gave me took my breath away? Because corny as it sounds...it did.
He waved at me like a kid after seeing his mother after class. The crowd must've seen it because they all shifted in my direction.
"Fuck!" I cursed and ran inside the room. Muntik pa akong madapa sa heels. Narinig ko ang tawa niya.
"Fuck you, Zy!"
"Later, baby," he laughed more. "If I win this, I'll give you a good one."
Umirap ako sa hangin at nang masiguradong walang nakita ang mga tao sa pwesto ko't bumalik sa tilian sa bagong artistang darating, nilusot ko ang kamay ko sa pintuan.
"Look at the door, idiot," I hissed.
Sumulyap si Zion. I showed him my middle finger. His laughter roared and even his team glanced his way like he's a weirdo.
"Naughty, naughty girl. I'll kiss the fuck out of you after this," he threatened huskily.
Natahimik ako. Heat flushed my skin, creeping on my cheek, my whole face. Umayos ako ng tayo at hinila ang skirt ko pababa.
"I'll wait then," hamon ko nang magkalakas ng loob. "But only if you win..."
He cursed, "fuck me."
I grinned, "yeah, fuck you."
He cleared his throat and spoke to his team.
"Will, check my tires again. I'll trust the pit stop will be smooth, okay? We have a race to win."
I bit my lower lip and rested my back on the window, "that's my competitive little shit..."
"That's rude," he whispered back, "but I can't wait, my dick's hard."
My eyes widened.
"Tang ina ka," I hissed sharply and before his laughter filled my ear, pinatay ko na ang phone at tinakpan ang mukha ko sa kahihiyan para mahinang sumigaw.
I was shameless because I know I was the only one in here until I heard the clearing of throat. Dali-dali akong nag-angat ng tingin at napasinghap nang masalubong ang tingin ni Sibyl.
"S-Sib..." I called, "kanina ka pa?"
She remained staring at me, her black eyes serious and amused. It was as if the younger Alyx Sandejas' was judging me.
Shit. Fuck it, Bullet! Palagi ka na lang wala sa sarili kapag nand'yan si Sandejas!
"Oh, a minute ago," she shrugged then smiled. "Don't worry, Bullet. I didn't hear anything."
Lumapit siya sa akin para makipag-beso, "you're gorgeous!"
"O-oh, thank you! Ikaw din!" nag-init ang mukha ko at tumango, bumabaling sa gwapong lalaki na katabi niya, nakangiti rin sa akin.
I might have been looking at him with daggers that he immediately shook his head and raised his hands, as if surrendering. "I-I didn't hear anything, Miss."
"Huh? Ah..." Kumurap-kurap ako at ngumiti, "sorry?"
"Your eyes were throwing daggers, Bullet," Sibyl chuckled. "Medyo takot kasi 'tong asawa ko sa mga irapan."
"O-oh..." nanlaki ang mata ko sabay baling kay Solomon, "sorry! I didn't realize..."
"It's okay," the handsome man smiled, gently this time.
"Sanay naman na ako sa ganyan, Miss. Asawa ko nga minsan puti na lang ang mata kakairap—" before he could finish his words, Sibyl elbowed his stomach.
He groaned. Sibyl shot a brow up. He acted as if he's zipping his mouth then shook his head.
Sibyl smiled sweetly yet scarily. It made me like her more. I think our attitude are somehow alike? I'm not sure...maybe no. She don't kill people for a living.
Still, I just think she'll be a good friend.
"Well..." tawag ko sa atensyon ng dalawa, "water? Tea? Juice?" I offered like a secretary I am.
"It's okay, Bullet," Sibyl answered. "You are a guest here, too. You don't have to serve or anything."
I was caught off guard with that.
I am...a guest?
"And don't bother with it, Miss." Solomon smiled, "I ordered iced coffee for her. Alam mo na, tubig niya kape. Magulat ka na lang nagpa-palpitate na."
Sibyl glared at him. Solomon smirked and that undeniable chemistry are screaming at me to leave them alone before a witness a live show.
Tumikhim ako.
Napaayos silang dalawa ng tayo, "uh, kayo lang dalawa? Where are they?" Pasimple kong tanong kahit ang gusto ko lang talagang malaman ay kung kasama si Twinkle.
Sibyl pouted her lips, "they must be there now."
Sa pagdungaw kong muli sa bintana ay mas dumoble ang fans at reporters. From my place, I can see Alyx Sandejas going out of a limousine.
My lips tugged for a smirk.
She is gorgeous. I didn't even think she and her husband aged! Aside from a more matured features, if you compare them to their looks while they're in my age, wala kang mapapansing nag-iba!
She's wearing a plain shirt, leather pants, jacket and boots. She's also wearing shades, her hair in a messy bun, walking like a runway model in the race track.
I almost purred.
I glanced at my clothes. Just a plain terno since I'm in my secretary mode today! I wanna wear my clothes like that again! She's so cool!
If in any way someone will ask me who my idol would be? In the field, I'd say it'll be the infamous Viper. I have heard a lot about her. A lethal lady in a world dominated by men and she was feared!
I think we're alike. Maybe? Hmm, maybe next time kapag nauto ko si Zion malalaman ko na kung sino si Viper. Maybe he can schedule for us to meet! I can ask for better ways to kill some assholes. I think she could teach me more.
In local? In real life, I can definitely say I idolized Alyx. Her style was immaculate! Plus the fact that she's a great actress!
She was so effective in acting! Hanggang ngayon naaalala ko pa no'ng nakinuod ako kay Zion ng palabas ni Alyx sa hapon. She's the antagonist. My irritation was so vivid I wanna visit her personally in her house to demand an apology for the poor protagonist.
I glanced at Sibyl smiling while looking below.
Sibyl got her Mom's talents. Sa ngayon nga, gusto ko siyang tanungin kung magkakaroon ba siya ng redemption arc sa palabas kasi kung hindi? Sa-sample-lan ko 'to ngayon.
Nagtagpo ang tingin namin ni Sibyl. She gave me an amused yet questioning look.
"Bakit 'di ka sumabay?" Tukoy ko sa Mom niya.
"Nah," she shook her head. "I don't like crowded places much. Lalo na kapag ganyan. Sometimes, it suffocates me."
Napatango-tango ako at 'di na muling nagtanong.
Pinanuod kong muli ang pagtigil-tigil ni Alyx para ngumiti sa camera o kumaway sa fans at nang may isang lalaking pilit lumapit ay may biglang lumitaw sa harapan niya.
I covered my mouth the same time Solomon laughed.
In front of Alyx was Zeijan Sandejas in the same colored shirt as her body guards, may comms sa tainga at may shades habang hinaharangan ang asawa.
I didn't even noticed him earlier!
"Oh, Jesus," Sibyl hissed under her breath.
"Extra talaga ni pare," ani Solomon na hindi matigil kakatawa sa tabi niya.
Nakita ko ang pagtawa ni Alyx at abot sa asawa na seryoso ang tingin sa paligid, handang itaboy lahat ng taong magpupumilit lumapit sa asawa.
Then, somehow, Zion appeared out of nowhere. In his racing suit at dalawa na sila ng Tatay niya ang humaharang kay Alyx.
Napailing ako.
Ang asawa ko talaga...
"Minsan talaga mapapamura ka na lang," bulong ni Sibyl sabay tulak kay Solomon. "Tawang-tawa, Alejo?! Bakit 'di ka pa sumali do'n sa kanila? Dali! Para kumpleto na ang three idiots!"
And when they started bickering again. I ended up smiling a little.
I love how carefree they are. How happy they look like and in sometimes...I'm thinking. Will there come a time I'll be this vocal with Zion?
The door slammed open loudly. I was already in full alert, about to take my gun out when a small voice filled my ear.
"Agent Twinkol Star susuko na kayo!" A voice exclaimed.
And when her tiny hand with a brand new yellow gun appeared, I couldn't help my smile from escaping.
"Ate Fritz!"
"Clear!" Another girl's voice answered, in her shades too as she took a peek inside.
Solomon chuckled, "nag-tandem na naman ang mga bulilit."
"They're playing spies now," Sibyl answered with a small smile. "Did you check our daughter's back? Baka basa na ng pawis, kanina pa 'yan sila nagbabarilan ni Twinkle."
"Clear!" Twinkle answered back as they both ran inside, back to back with guns in front of them.
Napangiti ako. I was about to call on my precious princess when I heard a voice.
"Baby, are they in?" Napaayos ako at humawak sa tainga. I went to the side. Sumulyap ako sa salamin at nakitang pinagkakaguluhan pa rin sina Alyx.
Oh, so, they're the distraction.
"Twinkle? Yes," I answered.
"Sina Sol? Sib? Fritz?"
I nodded my head as I glanced at them. Si Solomon ay inaabot na ang anak para punasan ang likod habang si Twinkle ay tumatakbo paikot at ayaw papunas kay Sibyl.
"Yeah," I answered.
"Twinkle..." Sibyl called. "H'wag matigas ang ulo."
"Ayaw! Bawal hahawak si Agent Twinkle! Misyown abowrt!" Sabay paikot na naman nilang magkapatid.
I sighed, "later, hun. Makulit na naman ang maliit. I'll help your sister."
Nang mawala siya ay bumaling na naman ako sa dalawa. Sibyl was pissed now.
"Kailan ka pa 'di nakinig kay Ate?" Kalmadong tanong ni Sibyl but Twinkle must be in her tantrum mode now that she won't stop. Unfazed and unbothered.
"Ahhh!" Sigaw niya, "scared ako! Wieee!"
She must've eaten chocolates. Ganito ito kapag nakapag-tsokolate. Buhay na buhay.
Nahulog na ang balikat ni Sibyl.
Twinkle was restless. Wearing shades with yellow frames. May laruang comms pa sa tainga at may hawak na laruang baril at walkie talkie. She's in her yellow spaghetti top and shorts, bagsak ang buhok na nakatirintas lang sa itaas ang parte at umiilaw ang sapatos.
Kumunot na ang noo ko nang muntik na siyang madapa pero tumayo ulit at parang trumpong tumakbo. Hinihingal na ang kapatid niya.
"Twinkle..." Sibyl called, "isa pa!"
"Wieee! Gagalit si Sungit!" She giggled more.
Namaywang na ako at humugot ng hininga.
"Twila Klein!" I called loudly and sharply, startling everyone in the room.
Luckily, Twinkle froze from her attempt in rolling down the floor. Tumaas ang kilay ko at nahulog ang shades niya sa may ilong.
"Stand," I said calmly and precisely, a hard edge on my tone.
She just blinked at me with her innocent amber eyes. Her mouth parting as if realizing I was there.
"Stand," I repeated. "Or do I have to repeat myself again?"
Tumayo siya, nakanganga pa rin sa akin. Ang shades ay nasa ilong.
"Now, sit there," turo ko sofa at nang maglakad siya ay akala ko'y doon na siya patungo nang bigla siyang tumakbo.
"Ahhh! 'Te Bullet!" To my shock, she ran towards me. Squealing when I caught her.
Napakurap-kurap ako nang yakapin niya ang batok ko at humalik sa pisngi ko.
"Ate! Ate! I have new bang bang! And sword! Like wosh! Wosh!" She screamed on my ear.
"O-oh, well..." tumikhim ako sabay sulyap sa mukha niya, "I missed you, too?"
May tumapik sa balikat ko. Sumulyap ako at nahuli ang ngiti ni Sibyl.
"Well, she really likes you," she tapped my shoulder. "There's only a few people she'll follow. You're one of them."
I just stared at her in awe and confusion, she chuckled.
"I mean to say...she's your daughter now," she teased and grinned before pinching the talkative Twinkle's cheek and went to her husband and daughter.
A moment later, Alyx and Zeijan are in.
"Mommy!" Bumaba lang si Twinkle sa braso ko nang dumating ang Mom niya at nagtatakbo sa huli.
"Hello, darling. Nagpasaway ka na naman ba?" She kissed her cheek then smiled when she saw me. "Hello, Bullet."
"Hi, Ma'am," bumaling ako kay Sir Zeijan na pinapanuod lang din ako. "Sir, good morning!"
"Good morning, too!" Ngumiti si Alyx bago lumapit at nakipag-beso. "Kumain ka na ba?"
"P-po? Ah, yes," I nodded, confused.
"Oh, but I guess you can spare a part of your appetite? May niluto kasi kami before going here and it was delicious! May niluto ang Tito mo na pananghalian then the dessert will be later after."
Inabot ako ni Twinkle. Sinalo ko siya mula sa braso ni Ma'am Alyx para buhatin. Nilaro niya ang buhok ko.
"Po? Tito?" I asked.
"Oh, I mean you can call him Tito and Tita for me..." Alyx glanced at her husband silently watching me with a soft smile. Sumulyap siya kay Twinkle bago sa akin.
Umawang ang labi ko, "no, no...it's okay, you're both my boss. Nakakahiya po—"
"Para naman others," Zeijan smiled at me handsomely and softly, "simple pa nga kami sa lagay na 'to, 'nak. Actually, p'wede mo na rin ako tawaging Dad or Papa—"
Siniko siya ni Alyx, "stop pressuring her!"
Namilog ang mata ni Zeijan, "I'm not! I'm just saying na p'wede kasi first love siya ni Gwapo—"
"Don't pressure yourself much, darling!" Umiling sa akin si Alyx, "whatever you're comfortable of using is fine! But...well, we'd really appreciate it if you call us Tito or Tita."
"Dad at Mom mas maganda, anak," ngisi ni Sir Zeijan sa akin sabay kindat.
My heart swelled.
I have never...called someone Dad or Mom. I have never heard someone referred to me as anak.
It sounded nice.
I flashed a small smile, "okay po, Tita and Tito?" Sumulyap ako kay Tito Zeij na tumawa at inilahad ang braso niya sa akin.
Shyly and confused, I moved a little for a quick hug. He tapped my back.
"Ipit ako!" Twinkle sang but then squealed and hugged her father, too.
"Misis, dumadami na lalo ang mga perfect nating anak, oh?" aniya.
Zirena and Wave appeared ten minutes after going through the large crowd again. Wave's a model, if I am right.
Handsome with dirty blonde hair and mismatched beautiful eyes. Si Zirena ay nagliliwanag pa sa ngiti at buhay nang makapasok at nagtatatalon para bumati at yumakap sa mga kasama namin. Kabilang na ako.
With them, right now, I had a glimpse of the possible feelings I might've had if I have a family.
They're full of life, always laughing and smiling. Ibang-iba sa pagkakakilala ko sa pamilya nila ayon sa files at mga sinabi ni Wyatt. Ibang-iba.
"The race will start in ten," ani Sibyl na pinapanuod ang nasa T.V.
"Come on, let's give Zy a quick good luck!" ani Tita Alyx kaya pinanuod ko ang ilan sa kanilang lumabas para mag-goodluck nang dumungaw ang ulo ni Tito Zeij sa pintuan.
"Aren't you coming, Bullet?" aniya.
"Po?"
"Come on," he nodded his head. "I'm sure Zy would like to see you before the race."
I followed them down quietly towards the room where my husband would be.
Naiwan si Twinkle sa loob kalaro si Fritzy at ang mga Kuya niya at pagdating namin kina Zy ay naghahanda na sila.
My husband's black race car was outside and is ready for the event. Sina Will ay nagla-last checking pa sa gulong at sa kung ano mang kailangan pa.
Zion was now talking to his family. Sina Zire at Sibyl ay yumakap pa sa kanya at may sinabi and now, he's exchanging laughters with his parents.
He's in his full gear now, his suit, gloves, head socks and his helmet was the only thing left and he's good to go.
Tita Alyx gave him a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug. Tito Zeij tapped his shoulder as they do a man hug, laughing with their silly jokes.
"Five minutes!" ani Will mula sa labas na sumaludo pa nang makita ako. I nodded.
"We gotta go, son," ani Tito Zeij. "You can do it! Ikaw ang magtaguyod sa kagwapuhan natin—"
Tita Alyx covered his mouth, "nevermind your father, anak. Basta, enjoy the race. You might win or not—it's okay, what matters the most is you enjoyed it."
Zion nodded, "thank you, Mom."
Unti-unti na silang nagsisialisan. I tensed up when I was the only one left, tatalikod na sana ako para umatras at sumama sa kanila palabas nang magtagpo ang tingin namin.
His lips tugged for a smile.
"Where you going, baby?"
I halted from walking away and crossed my arms, "manunuod?"
"Tss, you'll leave without even saying hi to me?" He asked, "come 'er,"
Lumabi ako at nanatiling nakatayo. He extended his palm.
"Come on, baby. Nakakatampo ka naman," ungot pa niya.
Childish.
I didn't move. He cocked a brow and I found myself shaking my head and marching closer to him.
He pulled me gently by the waist the moment I'm on his reach. Our chests collided and I lifted my face to stare at him with boredom.
"What?" I asked.
"Don't I deserve a good luck, hun? I'm a good boy," he said in a gentle voice, teasing and flirting at the same time.
Bumuntonghininga ako at nagsalita, "good luck."
He gave me a look, "makabuntonghininga naman 'to parang hirap na hirap magsabi ng good luck!"
I chuckled. His eyes softened and caressed my waist.
"Thank you for checking the room for our family," aniya.
"Your family," I emphasized.
He lowered his face on my ear.
"Ours, honey," he corrected. "You're my family now and they're yours, too."
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko. I fisted my palm more and breathed in his scent.
Calm the fuck down, Bullet. You aren't hyperventilating in front of him!
"Be careful with the race, idiot," I whispered back instead.
Tumawa siya at humalik sa sentido ko, "now, that's my sweet girl."
Lumayo ako sa kanya para suklayin ang buhok niya. He remained looking at me with a hint of smile on his face. I know he wanted so bad to tease me but he wouldn't for some reason.
His palm remained resting on my waist as I removed stray strands of his hair away from his face. Then straightened the crease I saw on his race suit.
"What if you caught fire?" I suddenly asked. "I will kill you, ayokong unahan ako nitong sasakyan mo."
"Don't worry, my life's reserved in your hands, hun." He smirked, "this suit is fire retardant so, no worries. Unless I couldn't get out for minutes—baka maging fried gwapo na 'ko."
I stopped, erasing the images of him in that position inside my head.
"Good," I tapped his cheek and when I saw Will gave me an okay sign, sinulyapan ko siya. "I think you're up."
Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa 'kin. I caught how his eyes lingered on my lips briefly.
"Hey," I snapped my fingers.
"Yeah..." he moistened his lower lip and glanced at my mouth again. "I gotta go, hun."
My breath labored as my heart spiked. He hesitated to leave. Tumitig pa siya sa akin ng ilang segundo bago pumikit at umigting ang panga.
He turned his back at me. Kinagat ko ang labi at pinanuod siyang inabot ang helmet niya at naglakad papunta kay Will.
I chewed my inner cheek and before I could stop it, I found myself walking in big steps as I pull his arm to let him face me.
Nagulat siya at nangunot ang noo.
"Tish—" but I didn't let him finish, I cupped both of his cheek and pulled his face closer to me for a kiss.
He was frozen. His blue eyes are wide while locking gazes on mine.
I pulled away then cleared my throat, "g-good luck!" I said in a high-pitched tone before turning my back at him to run.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
I was squealing inside. When I am sure Zion couldn't see me, napatalon pa ako at napahawak sa buhok habang sumisigaw ng walang tunog nang makarinig ako ng hagikhikan.
I stiffened, searched for the source and I swear it'll be better to just drop dead than for this to fucking happened!
Sa tapat ko ay naroon ang magkakapatid. Zirena at si Sibyl na buhat si Twinkle.
Zirena was grinning widely. Sibyl was smirking naughtily and oh, God. Si Twinkle ay nakatakip ang mata ng palad niya pero nakangiti!
"K-kanina pa kayo?" I asked.
"Ah, oo—"
Sibyl elbowed Zirena, "nothing! We've seen nothing!" Agap niya but then Twinkle lowered her hand and spoke.
"Ako may kita!" She exclaimed. "Pangit and 'Te Bullet! Kiss! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" She even sang and lifted her both hands to make a kissing sign.
My cheeks flushed and the sisters laughed loudly upon seeing my reaction.
Fuck.
Sabay-sabay kaming bumalik sa private area mula sa likod kung saan walang tao. I was carrying Twinkle now. Nagpabuhat kasi pagkalapit ko at ngayong karga-karga ko siya ay kanina pa kumakanta nang mahina at 'di maintindihang lyrics.
"—sitting on a treeee!" She sang, "K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"
"Twila Klein," I called.
She stopped singing and smiled at me with naughtiness.
"'Te Bullet, magkaka-pamangks na ako pow?"
"Pamangks?" Kumunot ang noo ko.
"Pamangkin po," aniya at kung may iniinom lang ako ay baka nabuga ko na sa gulat.
Oh, Jesus. Please, give me patience. Kapag 'di ko na kinaya ibabalot ko na 'tong batang 'to at gagawing lumpia!
Tita Alyx's smile softened when she saw us arriving inside. Nakaupo na ang lahat sa may sofa at napansin kong narito rin ang mga lalaking pinsan ni Zion.
Marcus. Alchiel. Deion.
Kasama rin nila ang kambal na nang makita ni Twinkle ay tumili-tili sa tainga ko bago nagpumilit bumaba at patalon-talon na tumakbo kay Sunny.
"Agent Sunny! Suko na ikaw!" She exclaimed then both girls squealed and jumped up and down.
Sky covered his ears, "ingay..." reklamo niya.
"Did you say good luck?" Tita Alyx asked.
Sinulyapan ko siya at maliit na tumango, "yes po."
She grinned and offered me her hand, "come on, darling. Let's watch the race. I'm sure he'll do his best to win. Lalo na at mukhang may good luck charm na binigay."
My eyes widened. My eyes found Sibyl and Zirena.
Nag-iwas si Sibyl at nagtago sa balikat ni Solomon. Si Zire ay bumulong kay Wave sabay taas ng kamay niya na parang naghahalikan.
Damn it. Now, I realized how weird this family was.
Weird but...warm.
Isinama ako ni Tita sa sofa habang tumatabi siya sa asawa. Tito Zeijan smiled at me and it reminded me of his son so much. They both have soft and playful smiles.
Not to mention, good-looking.
"Where's Twinkle, 'nak?" He asked me.
"Kalaro po ang mga bata," turo ko sa apat na nasa lapag kasama si Fritzy.
He nodded, "I know it's late but thank you for taking care of my daughter. I hope she's not giving you a hard time?" He asked.
Tumango akong may ngiti, "she's adorable, no worries. I like having her around."
He nodded, his eyes softening more.
"Great! I hope you like her," he murmured.
"I do," I answered truthfully. "She's a good girl. Pasaway lang minsan at ayaw makinig sa Kuya niya but she's a smart kid. She knows when to stop and she's listening...sometimes."
They chuckled. Tumalon ang puso ko at itinago ang nakakuyom na kamay sa may gilid ng sofa para hindi nila makita.
"She's really a brat, right?" Tita Alyx grinned, "she got it probably from his father."
"Or mother...?" Agap ni Tito Zeijan.
"Nah," umiling si Tita Alyx. "I'm sure it's from the father." She teased back.
The boys said hi to me, too, and when the race started. I was at the edge of my seat.
It was intense. Kahit medyo malayo ang pwesto namin sa kumpulan ng mga tao'y dinig na dinig namin ang lakas ng sigawan sa labas.
Zion's car is leading and like the poster I've seen earlier when I got here for the event described what I've been feeling well.
Waku-Doki.
A well-known Japanese phrase I'm quite familiar with. The feeling of anticipation, the pump of adrenaline rush for doing something thrilling and exciting. A feeling impossible to describe in words but so intense your heart's pounding inside your ribcage.
Waku-Doki: The pounding heartbeats, the adrenaline rush, and the exhilaration of driving, is for everyone.
The poster says. I agreed.
And now my stomach's churning in fucking nervousness when Zion slowed his pace and another driver got past him in the second leg of his race!
Damn it!
Today's race were consist of three leg races. Twelve laps each with four kilometer distance per lap where each competing drivers will look for the best lap time and podium finishes in each racing class over three leg races.
Zion got the first fastest lap time at the first leg. Another one got the second. It's so close, he won in milliseconds gap.
And it was fucking intense now that we're in the last leg.
Mas nagsigawan ang mga kasama ko. Si Twinkle ay nakanganga lang sa T.V., hindi masubo-subo ang lumpia na inabot na ni Zirena para kainin na lang at wala nang pakialam ang kapatid.
Mukhang sinasadya ni Zion na hindi siya ang nangunguna kaya mas nairita lang ako. That's so much for the Adrenaline rush, Zion Schauffer!
What the fuck is he doing?!
I watched as he reached the pit stop and I was just gapping in awe and amazement when his professional pit crew finished in less than ten seconds! Ten! Seconds!
I remembered seeing that and feeling it only in watching Formula One and NASCAR races on T.V.
I've been to races, too, before. During my leisure time, in conning or whatever reasons—dating possible victims etcetera but I don't really watch the race.
First off, because I don't know, wala naman akong pakialam sa mga kasali? 'Di ko kilala?
I was just focusing to the possible moment I could sneak my hand and steal their wallets and so. Then pass it to Claudine then we'll shop all week.
But right now, seeing my husband racing gave me a harsh pump of fucking adrenaline I felt like I'm the the verge of hyperventilating and shooting anyone in sight if he loses!
"What the hell is your son doing, Zeijan Ruais?!" Tita Alyx squealed when Zion was teasing his opponent by slowing.
"Fuck," ani Tito Zeij. "He can do it! He's just—"
"That idiot!" Sibyl hissed under her breath, "why is he stalling?!"
"Show off," I spat, annoyed of my idiot of a husband, too.
Nang naabutan na siya ng kalaban ay atsaka lang siya kumilos ng mabilis. I gripped the edge of my fucking seat, parang sinisilihan na ang pwet.
I don't wanna scream! I should be calm! I shouldn't be affected!
Lahat sila ay nagkakagulo na, miski ang mga bata at si Twinkle ay nakatulala lang para manuod habang ang mga kasama'y nagwawala na.
The boys are panicking, too. Even the quiet Marcus was hissing under his breath because of his cousin.
Tita Alyx was gripping her husband's arm, smacking it repeatedly to let out her frustrations.
Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga.
Calm down. Calm down, self.
But then, the finish line was almost there. From the distance, I can see man waving a checkered flag where the finished line was.
Ang dalawang sasakyang naglalaban sa unahan ay halos pantay na!
"Shit..." I cursed under my breath.
I can't do this. I can't!
Napatayo na ako nang sobrang lapit na nila at 'di na napigilan ang sarili at sumabog na.
"Damn you, Zion! Kapag 'di ka nanalo, 'di ka talaga makakatikim sa 'kin!" I screamed in frustration. The room's suddenly filled with dead silence.
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