Kabanata 13
Kabanata 13 (REVISED)
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
Can someone just fucking shoot me in the head?
Nabulunan si Zirena ng lumpia at ang sama kong tao pero salamat at nabulunan siya dahil napunta na sa kanya ang atensyon ng lahat.
She touched her throat.
"Water," Wave then stood to get a glass for his girlfriend when I stood first.
"Ako na!" Presinta ko at mas malapit ako sa kitchen pero sa totoo lang ay gusto ko lang talagang makatakas sa kanila.
I ran to the pitcher. Narinig ko ang sigawan nila.
"He won!" Marcus blurted loudly and my heart jumped.
Of course, he would...
"Miss!" Muntik ko nang mahagis ang pitsel sa pader sa gulat ko ro'n kaya nagmamadali kong tinakbo ang p'westo ni Zirena at inabot ang tubig sa kanya.
Lumapit sa amin sina Tito habang nagdidiwang ang mga lalaki sa pagkapanalo ng walang-hiyang Zion Schauffer.
Wave touched Zire's back.
"You okay, baby?" He asked gently.
"I'm fine..." aniya at napaubong muli.
"I'll get another—"
"No, I'm really okay," namumulang natawa siya at tumitig sa 'kin, "ayos lang talaga, Ate Bullet. Dumikit lang sa lalamunan ko 'yong lumpia."
My heart thumped, suddenly guilty of what happened. I was the reason why she fucking choked! I should just glue this damn mouth together so it won't blurt any bullshits again!
"Sorry..." tumikhim din ako at nag-init ang mukha.
"For what?" Umiling siya at nanlalaki ang mata, "wala! Wala 'yon, Ate, wala kang kasalanan!"
Inangat ko ang tingin at nasalubong ang mga mata ni Tita Alyx at Tito Zeij. Mas gusto ko na lang hablutin ang baril ko paharap sa 'kin para may dahilan ako para mawala.
Tita Alyx just smiled. I had goosebumps.
"We'll go to the track," ani Sir Zeij na walang sinabi tungkol sa isinigaw ko pero alam kong iniisip niya! I can see the very familiar way he's been hiding back a smile from the way he firmed his lips closed!
I can see that hidden smile whenever Zion's trying to hide his amusements if I do something bullshit.
"You wanna come?" Tita Alyx asked and I was immediately shaking my head.
"I-I have something to check," I lied. "I have an urgent email to answer," I then proceeded into lifting my phone in the air with fake panic.
"Oh," Tita blinked, "it's vacation, darling. You don't have to answer—"
"See you later!" I exclaimed, cutting her off before turning my back to escape.
As much as I remember, I have never lost my poise and embarrassed myself before. Ever.
But ever since I came across my husband, and his family, I think I can only count the days where I had my pride intact with my fingers.
Sumandal ako sa labas ng kwarto at napahawak sa dibdib.
They won't tell Zion what I said, right?
Right?
Right?!
I was fidgeting and cursing myself silently inside my head when I heard a sound coming from my ear.
"I won, honey," my heart jumped when I heard his voice.
I didn't press my comms and remained quiet.
Don't answer, Bullet! Pretend you don't hear him!
"Excited na 'ko sa tikiman time," he chuckled.
I stiffened.
Sinabi na nila kaagad?! Wala pang limang minuto akong nakalabas!
"Fuck you," I hissed under my breath.
"I will," he laughed and my eyes widened more.
"What the fuck—" I reached for my comms when he laughed again.
"Na-uh, you didn't turn it off the last time. I heard...everything." I even heard the grin on his voice. "Looking forward for my taste testing later, baby."
I screamed, pulled the comms off my ear and threw it at the ground.
"Fuck you, Sandejas!"
I did what I'm good at. Escaping.
Nagpunta ang pamilya niya sa track para i-congratulate si Zy. Of course, Twinkle wasn't there. Nauna na ang bulilit sa sasakyan kasama sina Zire at Wave habang ako'y nasa likod ng mga tao para manuod ng saglit na program.
The winners are in the platform with cameras all over flashing on their pretty faces. I watched Zy in fascination as he received his medal and trophy.
The media, the audience and his fans were obviously swooned by his charms. It's what he's good at. Charming people, letting them know he's a friend but behind the facade I'm sure as hell, a dangerous man was inside.
He disguises everything with a smile and his jokes. He hides the devil lurking inside with a foolish, naughty angel disguise.
I didn't even know he's The Reaper. If he didn't tell me, I'm sure I'm still blind to see.
Too much for being Wyatt's weapon, huh?
I can see the genuine happiness flashing on Zy's blue eyes as he smiled in the camera with his usual playful one. Tumabi pa sa kanya si Tito Zeij na umakbay pa sa anak ng may malaking ngiti.
Magkamukha talaga ang mag-amang 'to. I bit my lip to stop my smiles.
Why am I smiling these days? This is so fucking annoying.
I sported my usual blank face. Hoping it worked.
Alyx went in the stage with his son, too, and later on, I saw the poker-faced Sibyl walking in the stage with Zirena with a big, bright smile.
Hindi ko na kailangang magtanong kung kanino nagmana ang kung sino. It definitely shows.
Something was inside my chest, tugging my heart. Softening at the sight of their happy family. Sayang at si Twinkle na lang ang kulang.
I bit my lip.
He's a race car champion. Parang dati, pinapangarap niya lang 'to.
My back straightened.
What?
Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa stage at nasalubong ang tingin ni Zion. His smile widened even more the same time my heart tugged painfully.
I took a step back and didn't smile back at him. Nawala ang ngiti sa labi niya at nangunot ang noo.
Just when I noticed he's about to step out of the stage, mas umatras ako hanggang sa matabunan ako ng tao at mawala sa paningin niya.
I rode my brand new bike—thanks to Zion—and strolled around to clear my head.
After this one, naka-receive ako ng message mula kay Zire tungkol sa private after party nila para sa pagkapanalo ni Zion. She told me the location, asking me to come and join them.
She even said Twinkle's been looking for me but I cannot show my face to the little kid unless I'm not fucked in the head.
Nananakit ang ulo ko. I parked my bike and sat on the bench overlooking the city.
My face's itching, too. Annoying the hell out of me.
Kapag nakauwi na kami sa Maynila, pupunta ako ulit sa derma para magpa-facial. It annoys me at the same time, worried I might scratch it too hard it will leave a scar.
Stress had always made my cheek itch. I don't know why. It might be something psychological, as per my dermatologist. Nothing's wrong with my skin so, it must be in the head.
My fucked up head.
Honestly, now, I don't know what my purpose was. I kill and con people for a living. So, right now, being with Zion and his family made me somehow...sentimental?
Is that a thing?
Nag-ikot-ikot ako para palamigin ang ulo. I was still bothered how those words came into my head.
He's a race car champion. Parang dati, pinapangarap niya lang 'to.
I took my phone out and checked the information I had with Zion before the mission I fucked up and read it.
Oh, it probably came from an interview I watched of a younger him dated seven years ago. He's new college graduate, way back. It was a local media station, not even existing now but they asked newly grads what they wanted to do now that they're done with studies.
They came across Zion in his black toga, his hair still in clean cut and the softer version of him was on the screen.
"Hello, what's your name?" The interviewer asked.
"Zy," he smiled handsomely and I was swooned just by watching his smile behind the screen.
A younger version of him...
Hinaplos ng daliri ko ang mukha ni Zion sa screen. How I wish I met this version of him. He seemed more carefree, happier, perhaps?
He was happy now, that, I'm sure but I noticed the way he's holding back at times. As if there's an invisible wall around him I couldn't seem to walk by.
He's on edge. He's careful even with how much open he was with me.
"Hello, Zy!" The interviewer cheered, "what do you plan of doing now that you're done with college?"
"What? May kasunod pa sa college?" He acted shocked and covered his mouth. They cackled.
Zy grinned.
"Hmm, maging palamunin?" aniya.
They laughed. I found myself chuckling, too.
Idiot.
"But yeah, seriously. 'Di 'ko na papangarapin maging gwapo kasi nandito na," he wiggled his brows. Mas nagtawanan ang mga nag-i-interview.
Even I chuckled and rested my back on the bench. I've watched this before but now, with my new perspective of this little shit, I get to know him more and knew this was just the usual him.
"I mean, your dream. What's your dream, Zy?"
"I always wanted to pursue racing," aniya na mas naging seryoso, may bahid pa rin ng ngiti sa mukha. "It's my dream to become a professional race driver in the future."
Lumuwang ang paghinga ko.
There it was. That's where I got that thought.
I was about to exit the video when I caught someone behind him with her eyes on her phone. She suddenly paused and lifted her eyes, only to stiffen when she realized there's camera.
My eyes widened.
The girl!
She gasped and turned her back away when Zion shifted his body and caught her waist.
"Here's my girl, ganda 'no?" sabay baling ni Zy sa camera at ngisi. The lady remained looking down, hiding her face with her black hair.
"Zion!" She hissed in a small voice I didn't even make out what she said next entirely. My chest ached.
Zion laughed and hugged her, hiding her face entirely on his chest.
"Can we interview you, too?" The interviewer asked.
The lady shook her head, still hiding on Zion's chest.
"Oh, sorry," Zy smirked. "My girlfriend's camera shy."
The clip went black but I remained staring at the empty screen of my phone. Still processing what I've seen.
Her on my husband's arms. Her and the younger version of my husband. Her...with him...
That's why she's familiar. I've seen her in this video before but didn't care.
That's...
Ipinikit ko ang mata at humigpit ang hawak sa phone.
Wyatt was right. She was important to him. But could I really kill her if I found her?
My phone vibrated and seeing the name Zion assigned for himself in my contacts on screen made me smile bitterly.
From: Zion-gwapo
Where are you, misis? You're running away with my prize. Nasaan na ang taste testing ko?😋
To: Zion-gwapo
I was just answering urgent email. Nakahiya naman sa boss ko at baka sabihing 'di ako nagtatrabaho ng tama.
From: Zion-gwapo
HAHAHA! Sorry, boss! Don't worry, na-promote naman na kita from secretary para maging asawa 'ko.
I snickered.
To: Zion-gwapo
No thanks.
From: Zion-gwapo
It happened already, baby. You're my wife kaya wala ka nang kawala.😉
My chest felt so hollow. I didn't respond and left his message on seen.
From: Zion-gwapo
Where are you, hon? We're on the way to the private party.
My phone vibrated again from a message from him.
From: Zion-gwapo
Where are you? Magpapaiwan ako sa track. Let me fetch you, sabay na tayo pumunta sa venue.
From: Zion-gwapo
Honey? Baby? MISIS????
From: Zion-gwapo
MISIS KOOOO!!!!
From: Zion-gwapo
Bevurleigh? Leticia? TISH?????
From: Zion-gwapo
Magre-reply ka o maghuhubad ako rito?
My forehead creased. I typed.
To: Zion-gwapo
Fuck you.
From: Zion-gwapo
Hulaan mo anong ginagawa ko...😏😏😏
To: Zion-gwapo
I have my bike. Ride me
I cursed when I sent it as I typed my correction when he responded.
From: Zion-gwapo
🤯🤯🤯
From: Zion-gwapo
😏🍆🍑👉👌💦
Heat rushed on my cheeks.
To: Zion-gwapo
TANG INA KA.
To: Zion-gwapo
I mean ride WITH me!!! OKAY?
From: Zion-gwapo
Aww...p'wedeng both?🫣
I bit my lower lip.
To: Zion-gwapo
Shut up. Ang ingay mo.
From: Zion-gwapo
😭 😭 😭 😭 😭
As I ride my bike to go back to the track and fetch him, I tried masking this desperation down.
You forgot someone important to you, honey. Someone who disappeared, probably with her whole existence wiped out. Someone you might kill me for for more information.
Silly, Bullet. Do really wished for him to like you? It wasn't a secret he married you only to use against Wyatt. That's it.
It was silly I even considered that awful feeling. Love. Bullshit.
Mukhang matutuloy na lang talaga ang plano kong patayin si Sandejas.
I reached the track in less than ten minutes. Wala na sa parking ang family van nila nang makarating ako. I removed my helmet, fixed the jacket wrapped around my work skirt and looked around when I heard a voice.
"Ikaw, anong ginagawa mo rito?" Sumingit ako sa pila ng mga sasakyan at nakita si Zion na nakasalampak sa pavement hawak ang helmet niya at suot pa rin ang suit na nakahulog na sa kanyang baywang.
He's wearing a white shirt and dog tag and before I could even praise his face more, I heard a small sound from a cat.
What?
I peeked more and saw a small black cat purring on Zy's feet while he's touching the kitten's head.
"Oh, talaga?" Tumawa si Zy, "saan ang Mama mo, ming?"
The cat meowed again. Muntik ko nang masapo ang mukha ko.
"Ah, wala kang mama? Wawa ka naman," he sighed. "Ako may mama, si Alyx Sandejas. 'Yong sikat na artista na magaling na, maganda pa. Kilala mo 'yon?"
When the cat purred and Zy grinned, I rolled my eyes.
Oh, God. Bakit nila iniwan ang toddler dito sa parking?!
"Bakit ako nandito?" He asked, "ah, inaantay ko kasi 'yong misis ko."
My back straightened with his answer.
"Ah, oo naman! Maganda 'yon! Medyo suplada nga lang pero gano'n kasi siya maglambing, ming. Kapag iniirapan ako nai-in love ako."
I scoffed and couldn't stop myself from laughing anymore.
He jumped and shifted my way.
"Misis!" He called loudly and stood. "K-kanina ka pa?"
I crossed my arms on my chest, "enough to eavesdrop you talking to...a kitten," nahulog ang tingin ko sa pusang sumunod ng lakad kay Zy at pinapanuod ako.
"Ah!" His cheek flushed as he scratched his brows, "nakilala ko lang no'ng nakaupo ako, Tish. Friends na kami."
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Wait, pakilala ko kayo sa isa't-isa," he smiled handsomely and reached for the kitten on with his one hand and lifted it in the air.
"Here's my beautiful wife," he lifted his palm to introduce me, making my stomach churn with mixture of shock and unknown feelings.
"Misis, this is meow-meow," he grinned while presenting the black kitten.
"Meow-meow?" Nangunot ang noo ko.
He nodded, "wala raw siyang pangalan, eh. Kaya simula ngayon, siya na si meow-meow."
Nasapo ko ang mukha ulit. Tumawa siya at dinala sa dibdib niya ang pusa na napansin kong asul din ang mga mata kahit itim ang kulay niya.
That's unique.
"Meow-meow, misis ko. Misis, si meow-meow," he repeated.
Nagkatinginan kami ng pusa. He purred at me. I shot my brow up.
"Okay," I answered, "let's go."
Tumalikod na ako para pumunta sa bike nang may umabot sa pulsuhan ko. I shifted my body and stared at Zion, confused.
"What?" I asked.
"Well..." he licked his lower lip and stared at the cat on his palm, "walang family si meow-meow,"
My lips pursed, "and?"
"I'm thinking if we could..." he trailed off, "you know, adopt him?"
"What?" I blinked and glanced at the kitten purring. He was moving his head to soften Zion then proceeded into staring at me with the glint of innocence on its eyes.
"I think he's abandoned," ani Zy sa 'kin. "I fed him some bread I'm eating while waiting for you. He's starving and probably cold.
My chest squeezed painfully, an image of me trapped in the cage in cold appeared in my head. Starving and crying.
And thinking the kitten might feel that way, too...
The cat purred again and gave me a look.
What the hell...
Inangat ko ang tingin kay Zion na inaabangan din ang ekspresyon ko, "what about Twinkle?"
He smiled, "princess would love him. She's not allergic to pets, I swear. And...and if you're worried, don't worry! I'll clean, feed and take care of him in our house. You won't even notice!"
My throat tightened.
"Please?" Zion called, "pretty please, wife? Please? Please? Can we keep him?"
His eyes pleaded, twinkling with determination. It reminded me of Twinkle whenever she asks me to have another piece of cookie after dinner.
Bumalik ang tingin ko sa pusa na nanahimik din at pinapanuod ang reaksyon ko, nag-aantay akong payagan siyang magkaroon ng tahanan.
How many times I begged for someone to take me out of the hell I'm in? How many times I begged for home?
I shrugged.
"Just make sure he won't poop on the floor or I'll add a pinch in your coffee from it," tumalikod ako at naglakad.
"Yey!" Zion exclaimed and laughed, "pumayag na si Mommy Bullet!"
I bit back a smile when I turned a bit at them for a glance and caught Zion lifting the cat in the air, dancing its tiny paw like a toy.
He's insufferable.
Natagalan pa kami sa pagsakay ng bike at tinali-tali pa niya ang pusa sa dibdib niya para hindi mahulog, inilusot sa suit niya at kung ano-ano pa.
"Don't you have a bag or something?" Tanong ko habang inaayos ang helmet.
"Kagwapuhan lang dala ko, misis, eh," sagot niya sabay ngisi.
Umiling ako bago sumampa sa bike. He whistled.
"What?" I hissed.
"You look amazing," he smirked and wore his helmet, "nice ass, by the way."
"Fuck you," pero nag-iinit na ang mukha ko.
He laughed and rode behind me, carefully fixing the cat on his chest.
"Hun, I'm scared of the ride. P'wedeng payakap?" I just lifted my middle finger in the air before turning the ignition on.
I heard his loud yelp and curses as he wrapped his arms around me when I started driving without any warning.
This idiot. Parang hindi nagbubuwis-buhay sa stunts niya kanina kung makasigaw.
We reached the location in no time, nauna si Zion pagbaba ng bike. I removed my helmet the same time he did and his wild strands danced with the wind. I praised his inhumane beauty silently and brushed my hair off my face.
Sinilip niya ang pusa at bago pa ako makasunod pababa ay nahawakan na niya ang baywang ko at binuhat nang walang hirap.
Napakapit tuloy ako sa braso niya. Our eyes met. He smiled and took a few strands of hair behind my ear.
"Come on, hun," he planted a quick kiss on my head before touching my fingers to intertwine it with his.
Bumilis ang paghinga ko lalo nang inangat niya ang magkahawak naming kamay at dinala sa kanyang labi and right now, I just want to unlearn the things I found out earlier.
To be selfish and enjoy this...his fake affection. Right now, I wanted to fool myself that he's really into me, too.
"Something's bothering you, hun," he whispered.
"Like what?" I asked nonchalantly, hiding the fact I'm amazed by the way he noticed. "Nothing's bothering me aside from you."
He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.
"You're quiet," he said.
"I'm always quiet,"
"But it's a different kind of quiet, baby, I don't like it." Umiling siya. "You're back into avoiding me, aren't you?"
Hindi ako umimik. Mas lumalim ang paghinga niya.
"You know you could always count on me, right?" He asked, "we talked about this. Are you jealous again?"
"I'm not jealous," I spat and elbowed him, "I'm fine, okay? Just don't mind me. I'm just like this. Always. Baka hindi mo lang napapansin—"
"You're scratching your cheek when you're annoyed or if something's bothering you," he blurted.
I stiffened and stared at him.
"I'm watching you, Tish," his eyes roamed on my face. "I know what you like and don't. I noticed every little thing you do. I know that look on your face. You're bothered at something."
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko at umiling, "I'm just tired..."
He sighed, "alright, whatever you say, baby."
I frowned, "what?!"
"Nothing, my beautiful liar..." he shrugged and pulled me more against his chest, kissing my head again.
Napakawalan lang ako ni Sandejas nang makapasok kami sa venue at ang tili ni Twinkle ang umalingawngaw sa ere.
"Pangit!" She squealed and sprinted closer to us, only to stop midway when she realized what's tuck in Zy's chest. "Is that..."
"Say hi to Meow-meow, princess," and when Twinkle screamed and jumped, nauwi na sa tawanan ang lahat.
It made my heart alive seeing the two of them interacting. You know that feeling when you've been solving a puzzle all your life, trying to find the missing pieces and one-by-one, a part appears?
Weird, right? I'm not the kind to think much of things but that's how I could only describe the two of them interacting. Kahit palagi silang nag-aaway.
"Hawak ako!" Twinkle exclaimed.
"Let's clean him first," ani Zy na binuhat sa isang braso si Twinkle habang nasa suit pa rin niya ang pusa at naglakad sila papuntang banyo.
The kids followed, excited for the kitten's bath. Pinanuod ko silang maglaho sa banyo nang may humawak sa siko ko.
My eyes met Zirena's blue ones.
"Hello, Ate! You're here!" She chirped. Zeijan Sandejas' girl version.
"Hi," I smiled a little, still embarrassed of what happened earlier. Nabulunan pa siya ng lumpia!
She remained looking at me, her wide beautiful eyes twinkling.
"Wow, you got nice eyes..." she praised. Napakurap ako at nagbaba ng tingin.
"It's just contact lenses," I answered, "malabo kasi ang mata ko."
"Oh..." she nodded, "what brand, Ate? I like the rims around! Anong color ng eyes mo talaga?"
"Brown," I answered and met with her eyes again.
Her lips pursed, looking amazed. Parang hindi ko nakita si Zirena na hindi nakangiti o 'di kaya'y namamangha. She always has this positive beam of sunshine around her.
"Pretty!" She nodded her head, "why not try a clear one?"
I shrugged, "I don't like brown much," I answered then glanced at the buffet. "Kumain ka na?"
"Huh? Not yet," she heaved a sigh. "Gusto ko na nga, Ate, kaso s'yempre may hiya naman ako sa katawan. Ako kasi palagi nauuna sa buffet kaya hindi muna ngayon."
Napatawa akong mahina. Mas lumiwanag ang mukha niya.
She reminded me so much of her brother. Just that, Zion was more reserved at times.
"You laughed!" She gasped.
"I am always laughing," I pointed out. She gave me a look. "Why don't we go and get foods now?"
"S-sasamahan mo 'ko, Ate?"
I nodded, "yeah, why not?"
She beamed, "yay! Sasamahan ako ni Ate Bullet!" And heck, when she clung on me, my heart pounced.
"Where are you two going?" Biglang lumitaw si Sibyl sa tabi ko.
"Buffet!" Zire answered, "nahihiya ako mauna, eh. Pero sasamahan ako ni Ate!"
Sibyl stared at me. I just looked at her, wasn't sure how I'll react.
Then, slowly, a grin appeared on her face as she put her arm on my left arm.
"Sama ako!" aniya at natulos lang ako, gulat at nanlalambot ang paa nang nakakapit sila sa akin habang papunta sa buffet.
So...this is what it feels to have sisters?
Sa pangunguna namin ay sumunod na ang mga kasama. It was an intimate after party. Ang mga kasama kanina ay narito pa rin. Nadagdagan nga lang sila ng ibang mga kamag-anak.
They greeted me when they saw me. Crest and Clyte even gave me a warm hug and I can't help but feel something warm inside my chest.
I have never experienced something like this.
I was embarrassed to say but I'm ashamed. Ashamed how I'm reacting with their affection. I like it so much but I'm still not used to this kind of warmth kaya natutulos ako at hindi alam ang sasabihin.
Should I have them back? Oh, God! I couldn't even say hi! What if they won't like me anymore?!
"Hi! You're Zy's secretary?" Napatayo ako at muntik nang mabitawan ang inumin nang lumitaw si Lena Sandejas sa harapan ko.
"Yes, Ma'am," I nodded my head, "good afternoon!"
She smiled, her face glowing. Hindi na nakakagulat na former beauty queen at kahit sa edad niya ngayon ay napakaganda pa rin.
Did she even aged?
"Good afternoon, darling," she grinned. "You must be Bullet!"
"Good afternoon, Ma'am," I greeted and offered my hand.
She accepted.
"Good afternoon, I heard a lot about you," she started with a sweet smile on her face.
"I hope it's the positive ones, Ma'am," I answered.
She laughed, "of course! My grandson looks up to you. He's been telling me na sa susunod ikaw na raw ang magiging acting Director sa DEA."
It made me smile, "I probably should. Hindi naman po sa sinisiraan ko ang apo n'yo pero medyo batugan siya."
Tumawa siya. My eyes brightened with that.
I made her laugh!
"Why are you so mean to me, hun?" A touch on my waist and I'm sure it was Zion. Siniko ko siya.
He laughed and kissed my cheek, "Ma... I know you met her already but this is my honey."
Lena's eyes softened, I caught something passed through it. A mixture of love, longing and sadness.
She must've remembered her husband, Ejercito, who already passed not so long time ago.
Zion must've noticed it for he reached for his grandmother to give her a soft and gentle kiss.
"Honey ko, meet honey ni Jer," ani Zion at napatawa na lang si Lena nang abutin ako para yakapin.
"Please take care of my grandson, darling," Lena whispered. "It was my first time seeing him smiling like that again."
That night, I was happy. It shocked me too that I'm capable of feeling such a thing but I am happy. Can't remember how many times I felt this way ever since Zion and Twinkle came into my life.
Kanina lang, nakakalong sa akin si Twinkle habang nagkikwento tungkol daw sa bago niyang laruang bomba habang nasa hita niya ang tahimik na pusa.
Meow-meow.
And now, Zion took her. Naroon na sila sa harapan at nakikigulo sa mga batang pamangkin. Nakikipaglaro ng bahay-bahayan si Zion sa kanila at nasa akin ang pusa.
He was sleeping. I moved my fingers on his head. He purred softly and moved his face closer to my stomach.
Aww...
"Thank you, Bullet," nilingon ko ang tabi at naabutan si Tita Alyx na papaupo sa tabi ko.
"Para saan po?" I asked.
She smiled and watched the kids, "for helping my son."
"It's my job," I answered.
"No, not that," she sipped on her wine. "I mean, for coming in his life."
I stiffened.
"I know he's married to you," she smiled.
"O-oh..." tumango ako, "it's just for...you knew?"
"I know," she nodded. "But Zeij don't."
Napakurap-kurap ako.
"How?"
"I keep tabs on my children, hindi lang halata," she chuckled. "And Zy's very vocal. He called me before marrying you, saying he can't keep it a secret from me. I asked if he was sure, you know what he told me?"
I shook my head.
"I've never been so sure in my life, Mom," she quoted.
I swallowed the lump on my throat. Sumandal siya at pinaglaruan ang wine glass.
"I've never seen him this alive before," she mumbled. "The last time I saw him that way was what? Six years ago?"
Curiosity kicked in.
"Bakit po?"
"Ever since the accident," aniya. "Do you know about it?"
Natahimik ako, iniisip kong sasabihin sa kanya ang nalalaman o hindi.
"I know about the accident," I confessed. "But I'm not sure what happened."
"My father, Alejandro, was the chairman, right?" Tumango ako. "Well, of course, our family was involved in DEA. Fighting against drugs etcetera. Then, we came across this drug den—a massive one. Probably the biggest in the country."
I nodded my head, didn't expected Alyx Sandejas knew a lot than I gave her credit for. I didn't know she's that involved.
"We heard the government supports them, even the one in Italy protects them. It was hard. But we managed to infiltrate them because of a tip."
"From?" I asked curiously.
"I wish to tell you, darling, but my husband won't say..." she chuckled a little. "I still owe that one to that informant. Without her help? It'll probably be hard to find their new hideout during that time."
I nodded.
"However, because we found out where they are, they planned to touch my family. No, they didn't just plan, they did." Her face darkened. "There's this certain Wyatt Anderson Jr.."
I loud gasp left my lips, sinulyapan niya 'ko.
"Ring a bell?"
I nodded a little.
"It's not that obvious but I'm more involved in my father's legacy than it shows," she smiled. "I know Wyatt Sr., your boss?"
Tumango-tango ako.
"Well, his fucking son befriended my daughter," sumulyap siya kay Sibyl na nakikipag-usap sa asawa. Sol was hugging her from behind and listening to whatever she's saying. "When my daughter trusted him enough, pinasok ang bahay namin at sinaktan ang pamilya ko."
My mouth parted. I saw the pain in her eyes as she sighed.
"They attacked our home, hurt my husband, my children. Because of him, Zirena was traumatized with the mere sight of blood. My son was shot."
I blinked, my heart getting heavier and heavier.
"Sibyl got a hold of the gun, she shot Wyatt in the head." She said, looking proud and pained at the same time. "In exchange, she was traumatized. We made sure she won't fault herself for it. Inako ni Zion at Zeijan ang pagpatay sa gagong 'yon. They made sure the asshole won't magically resurrect himself. They made sure he'll rot in fucking hell but my daughter, she still blamed herself for everything, for trusting too much. She became aloof of people."
Hindi ako nakaimik doon.
"I'm just glad she's slowly coming back to what she was before the accident. Thanks for Fritzy and Solomon's help. I've never seen my daughter that carefree." Nguso niya kay Sibyl na nakikipagsapakan na sa tumatawang asawa.
"I heard Zion got into an accident, head trauma?" I asked.
She blinked in shock but nodded afterwards, "Sibyl had episodes before. Because of her trauma. She was often sleep walking. One time, she did and accidentally pushed Zion on the stairs."
Nahulog ang panga ko, "w-what?"
"It wasn't her fault but she blamed herself, again," she took a sip of her wine again. "Mostly because Zy lost his memories prior to the accident. When he woke up, his last memory was when he's still in college."
Napahawak ako sa dibdib at pumintig ang ulo, "I-I didn't know..." I heaved loudly, finding it so hard to breathe.
Tita stood and when she came back, she was handling me a glass of water I immediately took.
"Sorry," my hands are still trembling.
"Oh, it's okay, darling." She reached for my hand. "Ako dapat ang nagso-sorry, I don't know if you're ready for this..."
"I am," I assured, "It's just shocking. I didn't know."
"Would you like me to continue?" Nagtatanya niyang tanong at nang tumango ako'y nagsalita siyang muli.
"Zy regained some of his memories after but we know there's something he's forgotten. He told me he feels empty months after the accident. He went to a therapist and after every attempt, he still can't remember it. Sibyl said he lost something important, that it was her fault but we didn't know what it was."
Was it that girl?
My hands trembled more.
"Sunod-sunod ang trahedya sa pamilya, when Sibyl got into a stunt injury...we're really fucking afraid," she sighed, "sumabay pa na nagbalik ang agency ni Wyatt. They were messing with DEA again. Kasabay ng pananatili namin sa ibang bansa para kay Sib ang nangyari kaya pabalik-balik kami nina Zion dito sa Pilipinas."
I nodded my understanding.
"It was fucked up, you know? In fact I was so tempted to not give a fuck about DEA because my daughter's my priority but if we don't, then, they will do their fucking best to mess with my family again. We looked for their hideout when Zeijan got another tip."
"From the same informant?" I asked.
"Yeah," she smiled, "she helped us a lot."
"She? It's a girl." I mumbled. Tumango siya. "Did you happen to know her identity?"
Umiling siya, "no, unfortunately. My husband didn't tell me. He's tight-lipped with it which I understand. That informant, an insider, trusted him that she risked her life for the information so I won't force him to tell me. Because of that, we took their hideout down. For years, my family was safe from them."
Kinagat ko ang labi ko at napatango sa kanya.
"That was what? Four years ago since my daughter's injury," she smiled. "We're very thankful to that wonderful angel—whoever she was for the information. Dahil do'n, naprotektahan din namin si Twinkle..."
My heart jumped with the mention of that little princess.
Tumingin ako sa direksyon ni Twinkle at Zion. Twinkle was now fixing Zy's hair in colorful ponytails.
"How old is she?" I asked.
"Three," Alyx smiled softly, "she became our ray of sunshine, you know? While Sibyl's struggling, when everything's in dark, Twinkle became our light."
Warmth filled my chest.
Like her name. She lights everything up.
"She's our angel and we'll do everything to protect her," she mumbled, her eyes twinkling.
"Can I...ask you something?" I hesitated for a while. She nodded.
"Sure,"
"Why is her eyes..."
"Oh..." she chuckled, "why is hers different from the rest of us?"
I nodded, "it's okay if you won't tell me..."
"Well," she stayed silent for a few moments as if thinking if she'd tell more or not. "It's a long story but don't worry, it doesn't involve Zeijan or me cheating with some amber-eyed beauties."
Napatawa ako. Ngumisi siya.
"I love that childish bastard. If he cheats, huh! Hindi na 'yan magigising ng may kaligayahan," ngumuso siya kay Tito Zeijan na nangunguna na sa pag-aayos ng sound system kanina at ngayo'y sumasayaw na kasama ang mga pamangkin niya. "Let's just say it's possible to have a child with different eye color with the parents, right?"
Tumango ako. Nakita ko ang pagkislap ng itim niyang mga mata. It was genuine but behind it, I know there are a lot of secrets hiding.
"Just...take care of her for me," aniya.
Tumango ako, "I will. I promise but I'm just curious, why are you telling me these? You knew I was from Wyatt's agency. What made you think I won't tell this to him?"
Ngumiti siya ng malambing at inabot ang kamay ko.
"Would you?" She asked.
I shook my head.
"I knew it," she squeezed my palm. "I trust you, you remind me of the younger me."
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko ro'n, "I was like you. You're probably not familiar with warmth, right?"
I nodded, as if I was listening to my mentor. I feel that way. Until now.
"I used to feel that way, too. Akala ko gano'n na talaga hanggang sa nakilala ko ang asawa ko," if it's possible to see love in someone's eyes? I can definitely see it with hers. "He introduced me to the warmth of home. Look now, we have four children and I have a big extended family."
Pinanuod ko ang pamilya ng mga Sandejas na nagsasaya doon kahit sila-sila lang. It was as if they didn't need anyone else now that they had each other.
"And I wish you do, too." I snapped my attention back to Tita Alyx. She was smiling genuinely at me. "My son has a good judge of character. Do you really think he'd marry you just to spite Wyatt?"
Namilog ang mata ko.
"There are hundreds of ways to get information from you but he chose to marry you, wanna know why?" Napatitig lang ako sa kanya. "He wanted to protect you."
"Why..." I licked my lip.
"Is that supposed to be a question when it's obvious he's so into you?" she trailed off then grinned, shifting her head and when I followed her gaze, I saw Zion walking towards my direction with Twinkle on his arm.
"May we have this dance, hun?" He asked and offered me his hand.
"Dance!" Twinkle exclaimed loudly and beamed at me. "With Meow-meow!"
I danced with Zion and Twinkle. I can't believe it. I couldn't count how many times I smiled and rolled my eyes to those two adorable human being—plus the kitten na buhat-buhat ni Twinkle at isinasayaw sa ere.
I chuckled when Twinkle jumped on my arm from Zion's, kissing my cheek while giggling.
"Ate! Sabi ni Pangit bili toys!" She chirped, "spwy...briewcase!"
Nangunot ang noo ko, "hmm?"
She repeated her words again.
"Spy briefcase," ani Zy na itinama ang sinasabi ng kapatid. "May laptop pa 'yon sa loob, p'wede ka naming i-spy, misis."
I glared at him. Ngumisi siya at hinuli ang baywang ko para makahalik sa noo ko at sa pisngi ni Twinkle na ngumiwi.
"Yuck! Laway! Eww!" She smacked Zy's mouth loudly his head twisted. Napahagikhik ako at napatakip sa bibig nang dumaing ang asawa at humawak sa leeg.
"Mean girls," he pouted and crossed his arms.
I felt a gaze burning a hole on my back. Pasimple akong lumingon at naabutan si Tito Zeij na pinapanuod kami. His eyes now are on his son and daughter, Twinkle. His eyes gentle and calm.
Nang magsalubong ang tingin namin ay napaayos siya ng upo bago ngumisi at kumaway sa 'kin. I smiled a little and nod my head. Muli siyang ngumiti at inisang inom ang alak niya bago nagbaba ng tingin.
I tilted my head.
What was that?
We'll go back to Manila tomorrow via private jet kaya bumalik muna kami sa hotel para magpahinga. My husband was a bit tipsy kaya ang bike ko ang ginamit namin pabalik.
Twinkle was with her parents for the night kaya si Meow-meow lang ang nadala namin sa hotel na ngayon ay yakap-yakap ni Zy sa braso niya habang nakasandal sa elevator at nakapikit.
He was holding my hand like it was the most natural thing to do. I watched our reflection in the elevator and slowly moved closer to him to rest my head.
He stirred and smiled, binitawan niya ang kamay ko para hapitin ang baywang ko palapit sa kanya.
Nang bumukas ang elevator at may pumasok na mga lalaki ay natahimik sila. They stared at me from head to toe before smirking. I just stared back blankly.
"Tired, hun?" Zion asked, "sorry, I should've driven us back."
"It's okay, you're tipsy," I answered, my voice hard. Uncomfortable of the way these men are looking at me.
Why are they even watching my fucking chest?
Nahulog ang tingin ko sa damit ko at pasimpleng inayos ang coat ko. Zion might felt the way I stiffened. Nagmulat siya at sumulyap sa kasama namin na walang-hiyang nakatitig lang.
I caught his jaw moved but didn't say anything, mas inilapit niya lang ako sa kanya at niyakap ang pusa.
"Hmm..." he hummed and buried his head on my hair. "Kiss, baby."
My cheeks heated.
"What?"
"Kiss me," he whispered again.
I didn't move right away. He tensed beside me when the man with spiked hair grinned at me.
"Taga-rito ka, Miss?" Walang-hiyang tanong niya.
My brow shot up. He smirked again as his eyes landed on my body, down my exposed leg. He swallowed.
"No," I answered timidly with a fake smile, "my husband and I are in honeymoon."
His smile vanished. Zion's breath labored. Hinarap ko siya at naabutan ang mangha sa mukha niya.
I reached for his chin and pulled his face closer to me as I plant a kiss. It was supposed to be a quick smack until he opened his mouth and seek for entrance.
My eyes dilated, humigpit ang hawak niya sa baywang ko at nakita ko ang sariling humahalik pabalik sa kanya.
I heard the ding of elevator as the presence of those men vanished but that didn't stop us from kissing. Isinandal niya ako sa elevator at gamit ang isang kamay ay ipinako iyon sa itaas ng ulo ko.
The taste of whiskey and mint remained on my lips as I looked up at him.
"Zion..." I breathed as his lips fell down my cheek and jaw. I tilted my head to the side to give him space, groaning when he bit a part of my skin, cursing under his husky voice.
"Damn, baby. I wanted to fucking kiss you more but..." his face fell down his arm. Nahulog din ang tingin ko ro'n at nagkatinginan kami ng pusa.
"Meow..." the kitten purred.
"Shit," I gasped.
Namilog ang mata ni Zion at inilapit ang pusa sa dibdib niya na parang pinoprotektahan, "shh, no cursing, wife. Bawal marinig ng anak natin!"
I laughed, "crazy,"
"Here's our baby," he grinned handsomely and while he's caught off guard, hinila ko ang dalawang kamay kong inangat niya sa uluhan ko at tinulak siya palabas sa elevator pagkarating sa floor.
He cursed and almost tripped. I smirked and walked closer before cupping his face for a kiss.
"Damn..." he cursed and pulled my body closer. Without warning, he carried me with his one arm.
"Zion Schauffer!" Daing ko sa gulat at ikinapit ang hita sa baywang niya. I wrapped one arm on his nape and reached for the kitten meowing at us.
"Thanks, baby," ngumisi siya at naglakad patungo sa kwarto namin. I laughed when we almost fell because he tripped.
"Opps," he laughed, "sorry,"
"Faster," I commanded and rested my head on his shoulders. Hinaplos ko ang pusa at napangiti nang idinantay nito ang ulo sa braso ko.
Zion moved while carrying me, gamit ang isang kamay ay binuksan niya ang kwarto at pagkapasok ay kinuha niya sa braso ko ang pusa.
"Let us find a place for him to sleep first," ani Zy kaya bumaba ako sa braso niya.
I almost hissed, the heat in between my legs only intensified.
Hell, I'm fucking wet and horny.
He took my hand and holding hands, we went to the clean rug beside the sofa and knelt on the floor.
Zy fixed it gently before lowering the cat on the floor to rest.
"Sleep well, Meow-meow," he said in a small voice. "We'll fly back to Manila tomorrow and we'll build you a house,"
The cat purred. I bit back a smile. Seeing him this soft to a kitten turned me on more that I'm soaking wet on my panties already.
We both stood when the kitten slept. Tumayo kami, magkahawak pa rin ang kamay. I love how his rough large ones fit just right with mine. His finger grazed my thumb, the affection he had showing by the way he touches me. Even in small ways.
Sabay kaming naglakad papunta sa kwarto ko. I fisted my palm, was about to pull him inside my room when he faced me.
I pursed my lips as I met gazes with him.
The way his chest move mimics mine, as if he finds it hard to breathe, too. Nagkatitigan kaming dalawa at nahulog ang tingin ko sa pantalon niya.
I noticed the visible bulge on his jeans and he caught me looking, reason why he adjusted his pants.
"Anyway," tikhim niya.
Hiding back a smirk, inangat ko ang tingin sa kanya.
"Hmm?"
His eyes stayed on my pursed lips before he cursed under his breath and took something from his pocket. Sinundan ko iyon ng tingin at natantong 'yon ang medal na nakuha niya kanina sa pagkapanalo.
Inihulog niya iyon sa ere sa tapat ng mukha ko at nagulat ako nang isinuot niya 'yon sa leeg.
"Zy?"
He kissed the medal while locking gazes with me, "that's for you,"
My heart raced.
"Why?" I whispered and touched it.
"You inspired me to win," he whispered and touched the tip of my hair.
"You will win," I mumbled, "you always do..."
"I'm always winning for fun, hun. But now? I won because I want to impress you," in the dim lights, his cheeks reddened. "I hope you're proud of me?"
I scoffed. He pouted, "what? Aren't you? Ginalingan ko 'yon!" He whined.
"It's wasn't the reason, idiot," I touched his cheek, "I just realized you did that stunt to what? Make me nervous?"
"Nah, I did that stunt para kabahan naman ako,"
I punched his arm. Humagalpak siya at lumayo ng kaunti.
"But it's effective to you, too, right? Napasigaw ka nga na 'di kita matitikman—" napawi ang tawa niya sa malamlam na titig ko sa kanya.
His jaw clenched. The material of my clothes felt so thin now that my peaks are hardening. Fucking shit! Zy's gaze fell on my chest and the now visible nipples marking on it.
My body's betraying me. Fuck me.
I moistened my lower lip. Our breaths mingled. I hyperventilated that I panicked.
"G-good night!" I exclaimed and without hearing whatever he's saying, tumakbo na ako sa loob ng kwarto ko.
I didn't even bother turning the lights on. I'm used to it.
I went straight to the bathroom to take a quick shower, my core still pulsating.
I have to play with Franklin tonight! Or else I'll fucking die!
I was fidgeting, horny and drenching with wetness. I was even afraid to touch my sensitive flesh for more than five seconds for I might explode without doing anything!
Basa pa ang buhok ko at ibinalot lang ang sarili ng t'walya nang lumabas ako ng banyo. I walked blindly towards my bed and rummaged on my baggage to get what I'm looking for.
"Thank fuck I brought you," I murmured when I got Franklin.
Only the light from the full moon sneaking on the curtains guided me towards my damn bed. Nang bumangga ang hita ko sa kama ay walang pagdadalawang-isip na inihulog ko ang t'walya paalis ng katawan.
I heard small noises. I didn't care enough and rested my back on the headboard, spreading my legs apart. I was so sensitive that I jolted with just the sheets touching me.
"Damn it, Zion," bulong ko at humugot ng hininga.
I relaxed my shoulder, closed my eyes and dipped my finger closer to my cunt to touch myself. I groaned.
I touched my nipples, pinching it. Imagining it was my husband doing it inside of me. I savored the way his devilish blue eyes feasted on me moaning his name, begging for him to just stop teasing me and fuck me already.
Fuck you, Bullet! You should've just jumped on him earlier instead of chickening and escaping!
Reaching for my vibrator, I spread my legs more and moaned when the vibration only drenched me more.
"Shit..." I closed my eyes tighter, replacing the feeling of the silicon tool with Zion's fingers and tongue.
I squeezed my breast the same time I inserted two digits inside me. Small noises left my mouth.
Sinulyapan ko si Franklin. He's been my best friend for a long time now. He makes me happy that's why siya ang kasama ko kapag mag-isa ako. He's basically my boyfriend for years until my little shit husband came and now I'm using him while thinking of Zion.
Damn, am I a cheater now?
Sorry, Franklin! I just...
The one end of the silicon toy is tilted up to massage my clit while the other one is curved for G-spot stimulation. Gently, I pushed it inside me, imagining it was Zion's cock.
I threw my head back, in the verge of convulsing.
"Shit, Zy," I cried, "fuck...more..."
I moved it out of me then harshly back in. I jolted, almost screaming when I realized I might be fucking loud. I covered my mouth to stop my squeals and opened my eyes when I realized a form was standing near my door.
I stiffened as the devil's blue eyes met mine in the dark, the lights from the sneaking moon reaching his face.
"W-what are you...k-kanina ka pa?"
"I've been waiting before you even came out of the bathroom when..." nahulog ang tingin niya sa pagitan ng hita ko.
I shivered when the toy vibrated inside of me while locking gazes with the freshly showered devil incarnate who caused this.
"Shit!" I was about to pull the toy out and shoot myself dead in embarrassment when he took a step closer and tilted his head for a better look.
"No," he commanded.
I froze.
"Don't stop on my account, hun," he smirked devilishly and moistened his lip.
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