Kabanata 17
Kabanata 17
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
They took me to the agency. Hindi na ako naglaban.
First, I'm only one and the old hag had security around him. Including that asshole who destroyed my baby. Zion.
My bike's still in my old apartment and it's been a month now since I checked on it. I have lost the hope of getting it fixed. It's just too expensive to restore him and make him working again, para na rin akong bumili ng bago. Also, to think that it was the least damaged sa lahat ng mga anak ko.
He will stay in my display. After this mission, after I got enough money, ipapaayos ko iyon at magsasama na kami ulit sa buhay. Lalayo sa mga punyetang 'to.
I suddenly just remembered the damaged they caused. This damn Bernard was even smirking at me, probably making fun I got caught.
Twinkle.
My mind went back to the house. Sinigurado kong nasa station ang mga guards. I reminded her Nanny to never take her eyes off her and my husband...shit, Zion was there! Thank fuck.
I relaxed a bit. No one could touch her with Zion around but still...
How do they know about her?
I have never slipped! Or even told anyone—even Claudine and Jayden about her! Or her existence!
Ngunit sumagi na naman sa utak ko ang paglabas ni Twinkle kanina. I have seen no one around except a motorcycle going out of the village. That's it.
Is it from the inside? A resident? Hindi naman makakapasok lahat kaagad dahil exclusive village ang bahay namin nina Zy kaya...
They pushed me out of the van with Wyatt leading towards our entrance to the underground.
"Bilis!" Sigaw ni Bernard sa akin. I glanced his way coldly, he didn't even dare touching me. I saw him flinch with my gaze but tried masking it with his arrogant smirk.
He didn't know but if I would be asked what my favorite smell was? It was their fear.
I smirked back at him, looking dead in the eye. He tensed more.
"Sabi nang bilis!" Sigaw niya at itinutok na sa sentido ko ang baril.
It didn't scare me one bit but I didn't fight. I had to know things, now's not the right time to die.
No one dared to manhandle me. They knew the consequences what would happen if they did. I just sent someone in the hospital for touching my ass.
I'd never give anyone permission touching me but my husband.
My jaw ticked. I'm nervous but this shitty feeling is never good around them. They'd use it against me, especially this old hag smirking like a winner at me.
Pagkapasok namin sa kanyang opisina ay nakita ko ang lalaking 'yon. It's his nephew, I think? Can't remember his name. Not worth remembering.
He was glaring at me, his hand I stabbed in a bandage. I tried stopping my smirk as I stare at it but couldn't. It's amusing to see such bastard with his useless hand wounded. He was pissed.
"Bitch, you did this to me!" Tumayo siya para ambahan ako ng sampal pero isang lakad ko lang pagilid sa paglapit niya'y nawalan siya ng balanse at muntik pang matumba.
I frowned.
Bobo.
He made a sound, "fuck you! Do you think you could—"
"Joe, damn it! Won't you fucking stop?!" The pissed Wyatt stopped him. "I'm fucking done hearing you babbling stupid nonsense! You really think you could fight that wench?!"
Him calling me names should pissed me off but this time, it didn't. He knew how I am with fights like this and idiots like this one—my eyes went back to the bastard whining like a spoiled brat—is useless against me.
I could kill him with one blow and I didn't have to put out much effort. Hand me a knife and I'd slit that jugular or even a shot on his brain—or his micro dick—para mahirapan naman siya.
He caught me looking at his crotch, my face obviously amused and he moved aside while glaring at me.
"What the hell are you looking at?!"
I mused, lifting my head to met his gaze.
"Nothing, just checking if what's bigger, your dick or brain," I smiled.
Tumikhim sina Jayden na kakapasok lang at namilog ang mata pagkakita sa 'kin. Claudine peeked on his shoulder and looks confused too seeing me here.
"What?" ani no'ng Joe. "What is it? What's bigger?" He asked arrogantly, probably thinking I enjoyed looking at crotch.
I shrugged.
"Nah, figured they're both minuscule,"
Naubo ng malakas si Jayden at biglang tinulak palabas si Claudine na namimilog ang mata at namumula sa pagpigil ng tawa.
These two...
The ridiculed and annoyed look Joe gave me was fascinating I even gave him another smile. That's expensive. You're lucky.
Bumaling ako bago pa siya magwala kay Wyatt na umiling na lang at mukhang natatawa rin sa sinabi ko.
"What are you laughing at, Uncle?!" He squealed.
"Just fucking shut up, Joe," sumimangot ang huli. "I'm done with you whining. Umuwi ka na!"
"No, I told you I can help you here!"
Bumuntong-hininga ako sa ambang away ng dalawa at napailing.
"Tell me if you're both done fighting," malamig kong sabi at naupo sa sofa nang tawagin ako ni Wyatt.
"Care to tell us who Twinkle is?" He repeated, the same look on his face when he got me earlier.
My heart raced.
"What about her?" I asked and crossed my legs, tinanggal ko ang jacket at malamig siyang tinignan.
He was obviously observing my every reaction. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
"What?"
"Who the fuck was that child?!" Singhal niya at hinampas ang lamesa.
I caught Joe jumped. I didn't.
"A child," I answered. "What? Care to tell me?"
Iritado man ay may hinalukay siya sa lamesa at inihagis sa akin ang folder. Some photos from it spilled and my eyes turned to slits upon seeing Twinkle's stolen pictures.
No one was from the inside of our house but through outside, in the gates. As if someone got a sneaky look inside and got pictures. In the photo, the little princess was playing with Meow-meow on the ground.
There are also photos of her and Zion. Nakaupo si Twinkle sa balikat nito habang tumatakbo sila paikot sa garden and there was a picture of me, with her.
I am smiling. I knew it was genuine. I've never seen myself smile that way before.
I flipped the next photo and my insides churned upon seeing a photo of the three of us. Nakaupo si Twinkle sa batok ni Zion habang nasa ulo ni Zy mismo ang kuting. Pareho silang nakangiti sa akin habang nakasimangot ako sa harapan nila't nakahalukipkip.
I just scolded them that day. Nagkalat sila ng laruan at nakabasag ng vase. Walang umaamin sinong salarin.
I began weighing options inside my head. If Wyatt knew about her real identity, he wouldn't even ask. He'd just attack.
And Twinkle's photo in these pictures are not in high quality. Kung hindi naka-side view, magalaw ang litrato kaya 'di masyadong makikita ang mukha niya.
I'm suddenly grateful Twinkle's a human burrito. She just won't stay in one place, gusto niyang tumatakbo o umiikot na parang trumpo.
"What about it?" Malamig kong inilapag ang mga litrato, "wasn't this part of the cover, boss?"
"Bullshit!" Galit niyang hinampas muli ang lamesa. "Who is this kid?!"
"His niece," I answered coldly, frowning at him.
Mas nagalit lang siya, "don't lie to me! Who was this kid! Why wasn't she included in your reports, huh?"
"His niece!" I repeated, "the kid was only staying for vacation."
"Niece?" Natawa siya, "how so? We knew everything about his fucking family and no one! No one from his family had that kid as child! No recorded Twinkle in their family!"
Because she's Twila Klein, old hag.
I kept my mouth shut.
"What? Do you really think he only had niece and nephews with his side of the family? Sandejas is a large clan, boss. Aren't you aware they had family abroad? Or you're just stupid to think?"
He looks taken aback. Tumikhim si Joe.
"Shut up!" Galit niyang dinuro ang pamangkin na natahimik at nag-iwas. Sinalubong ko ng nag-aasar na tingin si Wyatt at sinalubong niya ako ng sampal.
My head harshly moved to the side but I didn't mind. I probably deserved it from telling the truth.
He's stupid.
He gripped my jaw and looked at me straight in the way, "when did I allow you to talk back to me, child?" His eyes are bloodshot and seething in anger.
"Oh, wow, I couldn't?" I acted shock but I was just pissing him off and man, it was fucking relaxing.
He harshly pushed my face away and walked back to his table with his cane. I had this thought of kicking it off so he'd lose his balance.
Nirarayuma na ata ang demonyo.
I licked my lips and tasted the metal on my tongue. I have to think.
Think, Bullet. Not Twinkle. Not her.
"Who was she?" aniyang malamig pagkatapos uminom ng tubig at kumalma sa galit niya sa 'kin.
"A niece," I answered. "From his third degree cousins. He was keeping her for a while."
I lied.
I used the information that's already existing and tweak it a little to confuse him. He knew nothing about Sandejas' other side of the family, neither do I, but I'll use it in my advantage.
"Why wasn't she included in your reports?" He asked me.
"Because it wasn't necessary," I answered. "That's just a damn kid, boss."
Pero hindi siya kaagad sumagot. I was immediately tensing and pissed. I didn't let it show.
"Can we use her against them?"
Fuck.
My jaw clenched.
"No," I answered. "Walang kinalaman ang bata sa plano natin laban sa DEA. She just came for a vacation, I'm not sure much what the reason was but she'll be leaving soon. I'm just staying there with the kid as part of the cover, right?"
"You mean to say..." mukhang mas malalim ang iniisip niya. "The other side of his family brought a kid under their protection—"
"Vacation," I emphasized.
"No," tinaas niya ang daliri. "They won't just hide a child for vacation...unless they're protecting her."
Fuck!
I stopped myself from fidgeting, thinking of ways to get out. Did I spill something? May mali ba akong nasabi?
Damn it, this is what I hate when I had no concrete and fool proof plans!
"What if we'll use that kid, kill her, and blame it on them?" If I have a gun, I'll shoot Joe in the fucking head. I fisted my palms.
"Hmm..." natawa si Wyatt at mas nagliwanag ang mata. "You have a point, good job, Joe."
He grinned, proud of himself. I remained looking at them with cold, pointed looks.
"You're idiots," I grimaced.
The two glanced at me, offended and angered.
"What?" ani Joe, "you are just bitter you didn't come out with it instead,"
"Are you forgetting the other side of his family's in mafia?" I asked.
Namilog ang mata ni Joe. Si Wyatt ay humugot ng hininga.
"So what?" The idiot asked, "we're in underground and we have connections! We have contacts in the royal family in Italy! Mafia's nothing—"
"You probably haven't seen things much, asshat," I answered, stopping him.
Humalukipkip ako at pinagmasdan siya, "you only had connections in Italy but this side of their family? They have roots anywhere. In every country. How sure are you, you could use the kid to turn them against each other? What if they teamed up? One family's scary enough, what if you messed with the other one, too? Kayang-kaya ka nilang pulbusin."
Natigilan siya at sumulyap kay Wyatt para humingi ng tulong pero malalim din ang iniisip ng huli.
"Uncle—"
"Shut up," itinaas nito ang daliri at napahawak sa baba, nag-iisip. "She has a point."
See?
I almost heaved a deep relaxed sigh.
Twinkle will be safe. She had to.
"We have to gather more resources and connections to establish this," aniya. "We could've had it years ago if it wasn't for the traitor bitch."
Sumulyap sa akin ang galit na si Wyatt. I just stared at him blankly.
Where is Theia? You killed her? You hid her?
I kept mum. Ang dami ko namang pinoproblema!
"Don't use the kid if you don't want to get war started," I relented. "You don't know what you're messing with."
When I thought I was convincing enough for them, Wyatt tapped the table and nod his head.
"I want you to take them down slowly from the inside," ani Wyatt na tinuro ako. "I don't like your performance, Scythe. Mag-iisang taon ka na kasama ang mga Sandejas pero wala ka pang nabibigay na maayos na intel!"
"If you want it that much, why don't you go and cover for me?" I asked.
He's enraged now.
This asshole. They even gave me a timeframe for this mission. If not months, years! And now they're rushing me?
I'm fucking annoyed.
"You're giving us nonsense infos!" He exclaimed.
Actually, he had a point. I've been giving them planted false information Zion and I came up with to not mess with my cover, too for DEA.
Wow, Bullet. Dalawang bangka?
I'll feed them information and intel about what they wanted me to say—with the help of Zion, again. He'd tell me what will I say to them, they'll stage an operation and I'll tell Wyatt. Kapag pupunta na sila ro'n para atakihin ang DEA at si Reaper, it'll turn upside down. They will get cornered instead.
I will be able to escape, sometimes, alone. Sometimes with some idiots with me.
I'm genius they don't even question it. Probably used of being overpowered by DEA but I guess it won't work now. He probably was already thinking I have other plans. I can see the way his angry eyes brushed on mine. As if he wanted to destroy me but couldn't for reasons I didn't know—probably well, because I'm his ace.
Without me? This agency's in shambles now.
Right now, I just don't want to raise any suspicions. Not when Twinkle's safety's in line.
"Orders, boss?" I asked.
"I want full information about that kid," aniya.
"She didn't have one," I answered. "I tried looking months ago and found nothing. Her information was protected by the other side of the family. We can't meddle."
"No, we will meddle," aniya. "It's interesting how the kid's with your husband when they have a full army to keep them protected instead."
"Don't tell me you'll use the kid?" I asked, "you're asking to be dead if that is, it's a suicide mission."
"Get your job done and quit stalling, Scythe," aniya. "I want information. I want action from your end. Maybe if you'd stop fucking your husband, and think with your brain instead of your cunt. You'll be efficient."
Natawa si Joe at mapang-uyam akong tinitigan. His eyes even fell on my body and licked his lips like a maniac.
Well, my husband's better—greater perhaps in every way. You can't blame me for being tempted. I gave myself permission to.
And come to think of it. It was Zion Sandejas, it's not like it's easy getting away from being wooed by his charms.
Joe's look made me sick to the stomach. I loathe him. I hope he'll join Wyatt Jr. in the grave soon.
I'm so tempted to take the knife out strapped on my leg and stab his eyes off.
No, Bullet. Calm your shit down!
I stared at Wyatt.
"First, get the USB for me," utos niya. "I'm done repeating the same things to you over and over again."
"I found a vault inside his room," I said, stone cold. "I'll find a way in. He had three vaults. I picked the other one, it's nothing but some documents. I'm working with the next two."
"Good," napatango-tango siya. "You will do things for me, child, you understand? You will only follow me. I'm your boss."
Hindi ako umimik.
"Make sure to give it to me immediately, don't even attempt to check it," aniya.
"How 'bout the kid?" ani Joe, "would we lose the opportunity to use her? Sayang naman—"
I wanted so bad to punch his mouth until his teeth's falling off it. I fisted my palm more.
"She'll be our plan two," aniya at sumulyap muling sa 'kin. "Do your job right. Find the USB and the Reaper for me. We already had a lot of casualties because of that fucking Reaper in every operation."
"If I give you the USB, you'll leave the child alone," I negotiated.
His jaw ticked and shrugged.
"We'll see, Scythe. If you do a great job, we can talk about it. Now's not the time to be involve in a clan war but you must do you fucking job." Mariing sinabi niya.
"If I did, will I see my family now?" Mariin ko siyang tinitigan.
"Maybe..." he mused, "maybe not."
"How will I know if you're telling me the truth?"
"You won't," he shrugged, "it's up to you if you believe it or not." Tumawa siya sa reaksyon ko.
"Do your job, child. Maybe I'll let you choose who to save? Your family or that child—seems like you're attached."
My jaw clenched again.
Fuck, Bullet. Stop giving away your emotions!
"Or maybe..." tumayo siya at muling lumapit sa 'kin. He touched my chin to meet my gaze. "Maybe, if my weapon...my Scythe did a great job, I can spare both."
My heart pounded.
He squeezed my jaw.
"Do. You. Understand?" He asked harshly.
I nodded nonchalantly, like a soldier this time.
"Good girl," he touched my cheek. "Good thing I invested in you."
I find it so hard to stay calm when my inside are shaking.
Nagsiatrasan at nanahimik ang buong lugar pagkalabas ko sa opisina ni Wyatt. Jayden and Claudine ambushed me with questions.
"What happened?" Clau asked and fixed her glasses.
Umiling ako.
"Nothing,"
"Bullet—"
"Ears are listening," Jayden cut her off, "outside."
Nauna ako sa elevator at sumunod sila sa 'king dalawa. Dahil wala nga akong dalang sasakyan ay sumakay kami sa kotse ni Jayden at tahimik lang ako habang nasa backseat at katabi si Claudine na nag-aalala na.
My heart's pace doubled during the ride. My hand trembled and I immediately tucked it away from their line of vision but Clau noticed.
"Water?" She offered.
"Thanks," I nodded and took it, drinking in half in one go.
I didn't know where they took me. Magta-tanghali na at nang maalalang may nag-aantay sa 'kin marahil sa bahay ay naki-text ako kay Claudine para magsabi sa asawa ko.
I didn't wait for his reply and watched the road. Pagbaba namin sa parke ay sinuyod ko kaagad ang tingin at gano'n din ang ginawa ni Jayden habang si Clau ay nakasunod habang yakap ang laptop niya.
"All clear," Jayden said as I sat on the bench and Clau sat beside me.
"What's the matter, Bullet?" aniya. "Why did boss call you this early? And was it true? You came here with escorts and a gun on your head? Si Bernard?"
I wanted to spill things, to ask for suggestions. To ask for I don't know? Advice? But I'm still doubtful if I should. If I could.
"I know you're still mad," ani Jayden na naupo sa lapag sa harapan namin ni Clau. "When you found out we knew about Zion as your target and we didn't say anything."
Bumigat ang dibdib ko. For someone who had a shattered heart, I feel so many emotions.
"We didn't know at first, we swear," ani Jayden. I noted the genuine glint on his eyes. "When we found out, you're already having fun with him. You're smiling. It's the first time we saw you that way ever since we worked with you."
I scratched my cheek and heaved a sigh.
"W-we wanted to tell you," ani Clau. "But your reaction's priceless, it's genuine. It's true...you're having fun. We didn't have the heart to tell you. Sorry, Bullet."
"We thought you'll laugh at it after finding out," ani Jayden na hiyang-hiya at sinuklay pa ang buhok. "Sorry, we talked about how priceless it would be..."
I sighed.
Bukod sa gabing 'yon, wala naman akong naging problema sa dalawang 'to. Ever since we met, they somehow became my...well, friends? If that's the definition of one.
Kasama ko si Jayden madalas sa training. Clau was the brains, the hacking and the both of us are more physical kaya siya ang madalas kong kasama sa field training. When I was caged like a dog, Clau sneaked in a jacket for me to not feel cold and sneaked in biscuits. Jayden remained awake the whole night, watching me from the window to make sure no one would take advantage of me.
It's a small thing. Kahit naman gising siya'y 'di nila mapipigilan ang mga demonyong 'yon at malalaking tao. Tauhan ni Wyatt pero...it's the thought that counts.
I am with them when we have no mission and just conning rich people for fun. They are selfish at times, though, who wasn't? I am, too.
We all kill for a living. It's a fight to remain standing and breathing. It's a fight to survive and we are all fighting for it, in little selfish ways.
"We'll understand if you won't tell," ani Clau sa akin. "But we just wanted you to know we're here...if you need anything."
I knew I couldn't take it all inside me. I watched the two of them and sighed.
"Can I trust you?"
The way they nodded almost made me laugh.
"Yes!" ani Clau, "tell me anything! I will find it for you, I swear! I actually traced some small details about Theia—" sinampal niya ang bibig at namilog ang mata.
Ngumiti si Jayden, "are you two keeping a secret from me?"
"No!"
"Yeah," I nodded. Hinampas ako ni Clau.
"Bakit mo sinabi?!"
"Let's tell him," I said. "You already slipped, no point of hiding, right?"
I smiled when she suddenly looked so nervous of slipping.
Umiling ako.
"It's okay," I shrugged and scratched my cheek. "I need your help,"
"At your service!" Clau squealed and opened her laptop, typing in a speed of light to open her files.
"Nagpatingin ka na ba sa derma, Bullet?" ani Jayden kaya tinignan ko siya. "Your cheek, it's red. Makati ba? Paano kapag nasugatan ang balat mo?"
I paused and lowered my palm.
"Sorry, I just can't stop," I sighed. "Nangangati. Doctor said nothing's wrong with my skin, probably a mannerism or something psychological."
"Did you ever try looking for one?"
Umiling ako.
"You really should," aniya. "I heard the Valderamas are good. Pinsan ng asawa mo 'yon, 'di ba?"
I nodded and lowered my eyes on my hand. I trimmed my nails to not damage my skin any further.
"Great, tell me if you need help. I have other contacts." He smiled in reassurance.
I told them my plans and swore them to secrecy. Well, of course, I threatened them I'd watch them sleep with a knife on my hand.
I know for sure it'll hunt their dreams.
I didn't tell them much about Twinkle. What I told Wyatt, I slightly just tweak a bit more to give them a background. I didn't tell them she's Zion's sister directly, just told them she was someone important to him.
I discussed my plans about how I was planning to protect her. Wala akong tiwala kay Wyatt. Alam kong kahit sabihin niyang hindi niya gagalawin ang bata, hindi ako naniniwala at 'di magpapakampante.
I have to protect her. To protect him.
Even the thought of her getting hurt destroys me from the inside. You know that feeling when you already feel you're losing something inside and if a certain piece disappeared too, tuluyan ka nang mauubos?
I wanted to protect my...family.
Ganito siguro ang pakiramdam ng may pamilya, ano? Hindi bale nang ako, h'wag lang sila.
The Sandejas' came in two clans. One was from Ejercito Sandejas and the other one was from the side of Ejercito's cousins but I think they shared a great-great grandfather if I'm not mistaken. Who would've thought my small knowledge of them would help me out?
The underground's already terrified of the Sandejas', what more if the other one came, too? It would shook their ground.
As long as I protect Twinkle's direct involvement with Zeijan Sandejas, she will be somehow protected.
Because I failed cooking and buying ingredients for the two at home, dumaan muna 'ko sa supermarket habang kasama ko pa ang dalawa at nagtatanong kung anong p'wedeng lutuin para sa hapunan.
"You'll cook for them?" ani Jayden na naglalagay ng ingredients sa cart ko. He suggested Adobong atay.
"Kaninang umaga pa sana kaso," I shrugged.
"You can cook now?!" ani Claudine kaya natahimik ako at nilingon siya. She looks genuinely surprised.
"No," napaisip ako. "Maybe? Madali lang naman daw, Jayden would send me the instruction. It's not that hard."
"In theory," ani Clau. Pinanliitan ko siya ng mata at ngumisi siya bago humawak sa braso ko.
"Kidding! Tirhan mo 'ko, ah? Pahingi ako!"
Clau hacked the village's CCTVs and found out there is a suspicious delivery man lurking around the area. He'd deliver something—or pretending to be in nearby houses around until he'll take time to check our house.
My home. And I wasn't even fucking aware of it!
Inihatid ako ng dalawa malapit sa village at ginawa namin kung saan kami magaling habang walang alam ang mga guards sa paligid.
We tapped their CCTV cameras for a live viewing. I have access on it in my phone and Clau, too. Kinausap ko rin at inaliw ang mga guards na binati ako't kinumusta habang kumakalikot sina Jayden at Clau sa likuran niya.
"Here, Sir, meryenda." I gave him a paper bag.
"Salamat, Ma'am Bullet!"
When I got home, I was nervous. Hawak-hawak ko ang plastic ng pinamili ko at nagsalubong ang kilay nang mapansing walang ilaw ang bahay.
"Kuya, nasaan ang dalawa?" I asked the guards.
"Nasa loob po, Ma'am," aniya. "Baka po nanunuod lang ng palabas."
"Si Twinkle? Kasama si Zy?"
He nodded.
I brushed my hair and my cheek. In my head, I was already composing my questions about the meal I'll try to cook when I got inside and jumped in shock with the sudden sound.
"Happy—"
It was an instinct to take my gun out and shove it in the air when I heard a loud curse and a squeal.
"Fuck, Tish!"
Nahulog ang panga ko nang matanto kung sino ang nasa harapan ko.
It was Zion, in his arms is Twinkle gawking at me with a wide smile and twinkling amber eyes.
"Susuko na ako, Agent Bullet!" She exclaimed, her tiny arms up in the air.
"Shit!" singhap ko at dali-daling ibinaba ang baril ko. "What the...what are you doing surprising me like that? Paano kapag...?"
I stiffened when I realized something's lit on Zion's hand. Nahulog ang tingin doon sa cake na may kandila at mas nangunot ang noo at sumulyap sa dalawa.
Zion was smiling and Twinkle's tiny arms are still up in the air with a wide smile.
"Happy bwirthday, Ate Bullet!" She exclaimed happily then reached for me to put a party at the top of my head.
Huh? What?
Nahulog ang tingin ko sa cake.
Oh...oh.
"One...two...three, sing!" Zion started as the two started singing.
"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, Ate Bullettt! Yeah! Oh, yeahhh! Break it down, yo!" Twinkle sang extra, with a falsetto and curves in her tone, in the end Zion and I ended up laughing.
She grinned. Her toothless smile appeared.
"Happy birthday, hun," Zion started and winked, "make a wish."
Ngumuso ako at nanginig ang kamay. I tucked my gun away on my jeans and moved closer to the cake.
"W-wish?" Sumulyap ako sa dalawang nagliliwanag na mukha ng dalawa na naiilawan ng kandila.
"Hmm..." Zy nodded.
"Opow, Ate! Wish! Like I wish na maraming-maraming lumpia si Twinkle na 'di aagaw ni pangit! Tapos...tapos...wish na...hmm, maging agent Twinkle Stwar! Bang bang!" Ako pa ata ang hiningal sa Dami ng hiling ng bulilit.
My heart pounded. I smiled.
"I wish," I started. "I wish na sana, ang baby Twinkle ni Ate Bullet and Kuya Zy magkaroon ng maraming-maraming lumpia na 'di aagawin ng Kuya niyang pangit."
Tumili si Twinkle sabay excited na palakpak. Zion laughed and kissed her cheek loudly.
"I wish din na sana mas gumaling si Agent Twinkle Star para maging spy?" I teased.
Zion shook his head at me, still with a smirk. Twinkle giggled again.
"At your serbus!" She exclaimed and saluted at me.
"Service, darling," I corrected.
"Serbus!" She repeated instead and smiled. "Aww, ayaw po, Ate na mag-tama ang words! Lalabas ang hangin sa bungi ko..."
Napagbuhalit na ako ng tawa. Even Zion threw his head back, laughing. It was the most beautiful sound I've heard.
My heart ached.
Oh, why does happiness painful too?
"Ayan, Twinkle. Kaka-lumpia mo 'yan!"
She glared at him and before the two even started fighting like toddlers. Tinawag ko ang atensyon nila.
"Okay, I'm gonna wish something privately," I said.
"Oh...secret?" Intrigued filled Twinkle's voice.
"Yes, darling. Secret,"
I sighed, heaved a deep breath before staring down at the candles back to the two most important people in my life.
I breathed.
I wish...to keep these two—my family—safe. 'Di bale nang ako, h'wag lang sila.
I blew the candles and as the flames wiped out, hope lit inside my chest. Maybe, maybe it's possible this shattered pieces can be brought together again.
If it was, it was already theirs.
It wasn't my birthday. It was the fake one Wyatt and the agency decided to put on my files but I didn't have the heart to tell them it wasn't true.
Honestly, hindi ko rin talaga alam ang birthday ko. Ni hindi ko nga alam kung ilang taon na ba talaga ako but I am sure I'm just the same age at Zy, if not a year younger. Maybe even older?
Hmm...
"Ayaw ko na magluto," I started.
"No," the two brats shook their heads at me while slouching on the counter. Si Zy ay nasa upuan. Si Twinkle ay nasa mismong counter at yakap si Meow-meow na nakikisali rin ata sa dalawa.
He purred.
"You cooked," I pointed out and pointed the foods he prepared for my so-called birthday.
"Yeah, we could keep it and reheat it tomorrow."
"Why bother?" Bumuntonghininga ako, "sa sunod na lang—"
"No," the two insisted.
Kaya ang ending, kausap ko sa earpiece si Jayden habang nagluluto ako. Zion even offered to join me instead, 'di ko pinayagan.
Paano't malalaman niyang 'di talaga ako marunong masyado! The only thing I'm good at was eating take outs and well, sandwiches with mayonnaise and eggs. It's delicious.
My favorite.
Other than that...maganda lang ako.
"Bakit ka bumubulong?" Natatawang tanong ni Jayden sa earpiece.
"Shut up, I'm cooking! What's next?" I whispered.
While the two are bickering and playing puzzles on the dining table, I waited for the food to be cooked.
"Mali, princess, this one." Inilahad ni Zy ang piraso.
"No! Wrong! This one," laban ng isa at nagtagisan sila ng tingin habang may mga party hat na Disney princess sa ulo.
I shook my head.
These two will forever be enemies. Parehong ayaw patalo. I even caught them, three times now, bickering and Twinkle ended up pulling Zy's hair until my husband's calling for help at hindi na raw niya matanggal ang bata sa ulo niya.
Turns out, Twinkle ended up on his nape, kumakapit na parang unggoy habang ang Kuya ay nasasaktan pero natatakot ding mahulog ang maliit sa batok niya.
My eyes fell down on the black cake they baked me. Yes, black. Bagay daw sa budhi ko sabi ng gago kong asawa at kung wala lang si Twinkle, baka nagsaksakan na kaming dalawa sa kusina kanina.
There is a messy happy birthday written on the cake, as if it was written by a three-year-old. It was.
Twinkle handwritten it with the use of whatever Zy was using in his cakes tapos sa ibaba ng magulong Happy Birthday ay may tatlong stick figure.
A girl one with a blonde hair. Me. Sa kamay ko roon sa stick ay may hawak na isa pang stick. Is that a knife?
And then Zion was there, too. Long hair. Muntik na akong matawa at kung ano-anong nilagay ng bata sa mukha ng kuya niya para daw pangit, tapos may hawak na bilog. Mukhang helmet.
Sa gitna namin ay ang maliit na stick man na may palda at heart na damit.
Sa kanyang kamay ay may parang bilog-bilog. I assumed it was a gun.
I smiled softly. I took my phone out and snapped a photo before secretly lifting it up to capture the two fighting over a piece of missing puzzle and who would put it to complete the image.
"Pangit!" She hissed.
"Okay lang, at least, hindi tiyanak." Sagot ng damulag.
Twinkle screamed loudly. Zion laughed loudly. Tumikhim ako ng malakas.
They both stopped and glanced at me.
"You two done?"
"Misis, si Twinkle kasi—"
"No, ah! Bait ako kaya! Ikaw nga pangit—"
Kumuha ako ng dalawang tinidor at ipinahawak sa kanila dalawa, they stared at it like it was some foreign object. Tinignan nila ako ng nagtataka.
"Go on, sige, magsaksakan kayo ng tinidor." I urged.
Their jaw drops, the identical glint on their different colored eyes made me smirk.
"Take it away and prepare the utensils," utos ko at masunurin ang mga alaga ko at nagsamaan sila ng tinging dalawa pero sumunod at tulong na inilipat ang puzzle nilang binuo.
Sinulyapan ko iyon.
Mickey Mouse.
Shaking my head, kumuha ako ng kanin at naglagay sa bowl ng ulam.
Okay na siguro 'to? Mukha namang masarap.
"Come on, princess, ako na d'yan," tawag ni Zy kay Twinkle nang nakita niyang kumuha ng plato.
"No! I'm big girl!" She insisted.
"Oh, okay, big girl. Sige nga, one plus one?" Zy grinned.
"Two!"
"Two plus two?"
"Four!" She answered. Inabot ko ang plato sa kamay niya at binuhat siya paupo sa upuan.
"Wow! Smart 'yan? Sige nga! Ano 'yong three hundred sixty-five plus three hundred sixty-five?" ani ni Zion. Binatukan ko siya.
"Tish!"
Umiling ako.
I waited for the two of them to settle down bago ko nilagyan ng pagkain ang plato ni Twinkle. Zy put one on mine instead kaya kinagat ko ang labi para mapigilan ang paglaki ng ngiti at baka sabihin niyang patay na patay naman ako sa kanya.
I fed Twinkle while I waited for Zy to taste it. I stiffened. My heart thumped loudly when I saw how he stopped to taste it on his mouth and swallowed.
"H-how was it?" I asked.
Sumulyap ako kay Twinkle, she was munching on her meal. Pale and silent.
"Zy?"
Sumulyap si Zy kay Twinkle at tumango.
"Masarap!" He chirped and took a spoonful again, "'di ba, princess?" Bigla siyang naubo.
"Opo!" Twinkle answered back beside me and opened her mouth again, "one more! One more!"
Confused and surprised it tasted good for them, I fed Twinkle again. Namutla siya.
"Are you okay, darling?" I asked, concerned.
"P-po?" She blushed, "opo! Yum! Yummy!" Ngumanga siya ulit para kumain.
Now, it was suspicious. I glanced back at Zion. Tuloy-tuloy ang kain niya. I don't think I've seen him chewing! Diretso lunok!
I sighed.
"Tell me the truth," I said.
Naubo si Zy, mukhang nabulunan. Twinkle pouted.
"Masarap, misis!" Aniya sabay kuha ng baso ng tubig.
"Yummy!" Gatong no'ng isa.
I don't believe it. And so, I took my spoon and have a taste.
I coughed as the salty taste spread on my mouth.
Poison!
Inabutan ako ni Zion ng tubig. Hinaplos ng maliit na kamay ni Twinkle ang likod ko.
"L-lason," I coughed and immediately glanced at Twinkle, "darling, s-spit it out!"
Nilunok niya bigla ang natira sa bibig niya.
"Y-yummy... hmm..." she even tried saving herself.
"Twila Klein!" I called and gave her water. I glared a pointed look at Zion, "you're a chef! You could've told me instead of...paano kapag nalason ka? O si Twinkle?"
"Minsan sa buhay, kailangan din natin ng pagsubok, Tish—" muntik ko na siyang hagisan ng kutsara.
"K-kaunting alat lang naman, kulang pa siguro sa Toyo...hehe," sabay atras niya at tayo.
"Zion Schauffer!" I screamed.
He's insufferable. The both of them.
It was my fault I didn't even taste it but these two...kahit namang alam ko nang maalat, hindi talaga sinabing pangit ang lasa. Zion even offered to re-cooked it. Titimplahan lang daw niya at ayon ang naging sagot sa lahat.
It was...delicious.
The three of us have full bellies while we're on the bed, in Zion's room, watching a horror film while eating the cake they made for me.
I have never felt this full. Not just my stomach, even the organ just above it feels so full it's overwhelming.
Hinahaplos ko ang pusa sa hita ko habang si twinkle ang tagasubo sa 'kin ng cake.
"Yummy?" She asked. I nodded.
"Yes, darling,"
"Twinkle drawing!" She pointed the stick figures. "Ate Bullet, Kuya pangit, Agent Twinkle Star!"
My heart swelled, "ang galing naman mag-drawing ng baby ko," I kissed her cheek. "Thank you, darling. You made Ate's birthday."
Her amber eyes twinkled. She giggled and hugged my nape.
We watched another movie after, hindi na horror at ang Kuya naman niya kapag horror, ako ang inaaswang!
He's beside me the whole time. I'm lying in between his legs, my head on his chest while Twinkle's feeding us and laughing everytime the ghost would appear.
Zion, in the other hand remained hiding on my nape. Kung 'di ko lang alam na takot talaga siya sa horror, iisipin kong tsansing lang.
Paano ba naman kasi, parang tarsier makapulupot! Kung hindi hahalik sa batok ko at bubulong ng kung ano-anong kabastusan, pasimple pang hahawak sa boobs ko!
Hindi naman sa ayaw ko...actually, gusto ko kaso may bata!
Hinampas ko ang kamay niyang lumulusot na sa shirt ko.
Kaya sa next movie, comedy na pero mukhang dalawa na silang wala sa sarili sa pinapanuod.
Ipinapaikot na ni Twinkle ang sarili niya sa kumot habang gumugulong sa kama, burrito. Si Zion ay patingin-tingin sa pader at hahawak sa akin.
"Bakit?" I asked.
"Gagamba," bulong niya.
"Huh?" I followed his gaze and saw a spider on the wall. "Takot ka sa gagamba?"
He tensed then shook his head.
"No!"
Nanliit ang mata ko at sinulyapan siya. I smirked. His eyes widened.
"H-hindi ako takot sa gagamba!" He pointed out. Umahon si Twinkle sa kama.
"Spider?! Whereee!" Before I could even answer, she was jumping out of the bed and running towards the wall.
"Twila Klein, h'wag!" Zy stood from behind. Nilakad niya ang pwesto ni Twinkle at binuhat ang batang malikot.
"Don't touch it," aniya habang dalawa silang nakatitig na sa malaking gagamba.
How did it even get inside the house?
"Kuya, nagkakagat 'yan po?" She asked.
"Maybe? Yes," ani Zy at umatras, "tara, doon na tayo. H'wag na d'yan—"
"Ohh...scared si Pangit sa spider!" She exclaimed.
His back stiffened.
I almost laugh.
Confirmed. He is scared.
How was it possible? He's the Reaper for Pete's sake! And he's scared of horror films, ghosts and...spider? How...adorable.
"No, hindi," umiling siya sabay sulyap sa kapatid. "Gusto mo patayin pa natin, oh?"
"Game! Game! Yay!"
He took a heavy breath. Tumaas ang kilay ko at pinanuod silang dalawa, mas nakakaaliw kaysa sa palabas. Meow-meow purred. I touched his head softly.
Kumuha ng tsinelas si Zion at inayos ng buhat si Twinkle.
"Ready?" Aniya.
"Ready!"
"Okay..." he breathed, his body tensing more. "Papatunayan ko sa 'yong 'di ako takot!"
He lifted the slipper and was about to smack the spider on the wall but he was just midway when it jumped on his face.
"Fuck!" He screamed so loud.
Twinkle laughed, "takot! Takot si pangit—" lumipad sa mukha niya ang gagamba. Sumigaw din siya.
Dalawa na silang sumisigaw ngayon at nakatulos lang sa kinatatayuan.
Seriously?
Mukhang natakot din ang gagamba't tumalon iyon pabalik sa mukha ni Zion. In panic, Twinkle's small palm swung and slapped Zion's cheek.
Sabay silang natahimik. Napatayo ako.
I noticed my husband's pale face. Nanlalaki ang mata ni Twinkle habang unti-unting inaalis ang palad niya sa pisngi ng kapatid.
Then, her eyes brightened the same time her smile did.
"Ahhh!" She screamed. "Twinkle galing! Spider is dead!" She celebrated.
She wiggled out of her traumatized brother's grip to run towards me, showing me her palm with the dead spider.
"Ate! Kill spider ni Twinkle!"
I blinked.
"W-wow," I gasped, "ang galing naman ng baby na 'yan..." sabay sulyap ko kay Zion na hawak na ang pisngi, tulala habang napapadausdos na sa pader.
The spider is dead, pati na rin ang Kuya mo, dead na.
Everything is in bliss. I was so happy that I began questioning if it was supposed to be happening or a storm is coming.
I couldn't tell my husband anything, whenever I attempt, something's coming up with. A problem, a conflict, a sudden call and death.
Leona Sandejas died, a year after Ejercito Sandejas did.
It was heart-breaking. I have met the lady, silang mag-asawa at alam kong mabubuting tao sila. I have seen how they mourned their death and celebrated their life and how empty it left the family when another problem arose.
Crest Sandejas' incident plus Clyte's kidnapping.
It was too much to bear and I hate to add more burden on my husband's shoulder when he's helping his family to get through this lost and problem.
Silently, I did my very best to protect Twinkle. In small, little ways—even if it meant I was betraying Zion and DEA too, from the inside.
It was so sudden. I never anticipated it would be this way. I didn't think...
God, I was such an idiot!
I acted alone in impulse, in desperation to save Twinkle and to steer Wyatt away from my radar but I failed.
I was ambushed. Just as I was relieved getting away and hiding Twinkle behind me, I felt something hard struck my head from behind before I even heard her calling.
I lost balance. I'm bleeding. I tried crawling but she was already crying for me.
"A-Ate Bullet!" She cried, "s-scared...Ate! H-help!"
Another struck and I still tried to fight but they outnumbered me. I was dizzy and confuse when they struck me again. Tears only fell on my cheek the moment I lost consciousness. And, I lost her, too.
I woke up in a hospital. Jumping out of the bed, I looked around, wishing it was all just a dream but it wasn't.
Sa pag-upo ko ay nasalubong ko kaagad ang tingin ni Zion.
"Zy—" he strode closer and gripped my shoulder and his eyes, I've never seen it that way. Sharp, cold and seething.
But I was just panicking.
I have to go! I have to go get her!
"T-Twinkle, si Twinkle—"
"What have you done?! Saan mo dinala ang kapatid ko?!" He exclaimed and squeezed my shoulder, trembling...in anger.
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