Kabanata 22
Kabanata 22
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
Everything I thought was right. This is why I don't want to be involved in shits like this.
This is what I hate about horror houses, people are so fucking loud.
When a group of teenagers passed us, I frowned. I sneaked my body and head, suddenly and effortlessly appeared with my hair covering my face.
Here they are—they screamed like broken engine.
I almost scream back and cursed.
Nagtakbuhan sila at naghilahan.
Sumimangot ako sabay silip sa orasan. Mahaba pa bago ako makalayas dito! A-absent talaga ako bukas para 'di nila ako gawing pain dito!
The booth was not that large but it was like a maze. Madilim at mausok, may mga nakakatakot pang sound effects na di-nown-load lang nila sa internet at ang ibang mga kaklase'y kanya-kanyang pwesto at todo bigay sa pananakot.
I scratched my cheek.
I wanna leave!
But a sound of murmuring, hissing and laughing voices caught my attention. Malayo pa ang grupo pero ay dinig na dinig na sila dahil sa ingay.
I took a peek from the distance and smirked when I saw who were they.
The Sandejas cousins.
"Manahimik!" Sibyl hissed and closed her eyes, annoyed at everyone laughing.
"Chill lang kayo!" Crest Sandejas smiled widely, her face beaming in excitement. "Walang-wala lang 'yong costume nila sa pinapanuod natin!"
Umiling si Alchiel at inakbayan ang kakambal sabay gulo sa buhok nito. She laughed and hugged his waist when someone appeared to scare them.
They all screamed but that didn't caught my attention. One particular screeching, wailing scream caught mine.
Natigil ang magpipinsan, pati ang kaklase kong multo bago sabay-sabay na napatingin sa gitna kung saan nanggagaling ang tili.
Zion Schauffer, my very weird suitor.
Lumabi ako at nagpigil ng tawa.
Awkward silence filled the whole place. Tanging ang tumatawang demonyo na sound effects lang ang naiwan sa speaker.
"Did my brother just wail?" Sibyl blurted.
"H-hindi, ah!" Depensa niya at napuno ng tawanan ang dapat ay nakakatakot na lugar.
I watched them having fun scaring each other and I can't help but be curious, how does it feel to have cousins? To have people around caring for you?
I have none of that.
Wyatt might've told me I'm a family but I never once felt it. I was his pet. That is.
Is that considered a family?
The first time I have ever felt affection and alive was when I met him. He's weird, alright, but he's...beautiful.
He could be serious at times but what I like most about him was that he makes everything light, his dry sense of humor and corny jokes. I don't even have to pretend to laugh at his humor, tumatawa naman kasi siyang mag-isa sa joke niyang bulok.
Mas doon ako naaaliw.
He's an idiot but...my idiot.
When I saw them almost approaching, nagtago ako doon sa ginawa nilang props na balon. When I heard murmurs, I stretched my body.
"Parang alam ko 'to," Crest beamed, "sa pinanuod natin 'to two years ago—"
I suddenly appeared and crawled closer to them.
I heard loud screams, curses until the ran away, nagkawatak-watak na.
I laughed silently, curious what Zion's reaction was when I saw feet while I'm crawling on the floor.
Pasimple akong sumilip sa buhok and ladies and gentleman, Zion was frozen while staring at me on his feet.
Nakadikit ang likod niya sa pader at nanlalaki ang mata. His chest is moving up and down.
He closed his eyes and whispered more like he's chanting something.
Curious, I crawled more and slowly stood while dramatically walking closer. I made sure he could feel me approaching until I heard his murmurs.
"Lord, Jesus Christ, Mama Mary and angels above—"
I leaned in and whisper in a scary voice, "run."
And he sprinted with his eyes closed. Nadapa pa siya kaya napasapo ako sa bibig pero kapag may adrenaline na wala nang pakialam sa lahat sa bilis ng takbo niya.
I followed him with the long hair covering my face, nilingon niya ako at tinaas ko ang dalawang kamay. Tumili siya, parang maiihi pa ata.
Oh, gracious.
I laughed internally.
It wasn't on my role to follow people but I accept special clients. Nilingon niya ako bigla. Lumuhod ako sabay gapang. He screamed again.
Oh, God. This is the funniest thing ever!
Sa dim na ilaw ng maze booth ay kitang-kita ko ang pula ng mukha niya. He sprinted to reach the gate closer to the exit but he couldn't open it.
He pulled in panic, he even tried crawling his way up the gates but ended up falling.
"S-sorry na!" He exclaimed at me, "hindi na 'ko mang-aasar—Mommy!" Sabay hila niya sa gate.
Why does he keep on pulling it when it's the other way around?
Ngumuso ako sabay tayo. He tensed more when I walked closer to the gate and pushed it open for him.
He stilled. Napatitig siya sa 'kin kaya inilahad ko ang gate na bukas at nang matanto ang ginawa ko ay sumigaw siya sabay kuripas ng takbo.
I ran after to chase him again.
I was tired but I was laughing my ass off when he reconciled with some of his cousins and I watched how chaotic that was while unfolding right before my eyes.
Crest was screaming. Nakasampa na siya sa likod ng kakambal at nakahawak sa buhok nito na akala mo'y kabayo niya.
"Takbo, Alchiel!" She screamed loudly. Clyte was laughing on his side and I saw how adorable they look.
Nakahawak si Alchiel para umalalay sa kakambal sa likod niya at nakahawak din sa braso ni Clyte para kunwari ipagtanggol sa mga fake ghost.
When Zion reached them, hinablot niya si Marcus na nagitla at tinuro ang pwesto ko. Nagtago ako sa gilid para 'di nila makita.
I watched and follow them getting lost in the dark maze, kumukuha ng tamang pasok para manakot no'ng isa do'n na wagas makasigaw.
When they calmed down and was nearing the exit. I inserted myself silently behind Zion.
Napasulyap sa akin si Marcus at nanlaki ang mata.
I peek into my hair to let him see a part of my face before putting a finger on my lips.
He smirked when he realized it was me and signed something silently to his other cousins at unti-unti ay nagpaiwan sila habang nangunguna ng lakad ang isa doon sa may exit.
"Wala na sigurong multo dito, h'wag na kayo matakot," he said proudly, not knowing there is one surprise jumpscare before you reach the exit.
When it appeared, he screamed and grabbed someone from behind—thinking it was Marcus and dragged it towards the exit.
He was huffing when he got out, out of breath. His palm gripping my wrist he grabbed.
"Tang ina, Macky-beybe!" He laughed, "hindi na ako babalik sa loob! Gago, muntik na akong mautot—"
When he looked back with a grin, it faded right before my eyes when he realized he grabbed a ghost instead and without a word, he fainted.
Nasapo ko ang mukha.
Sandejas nga naman.
It was one of my weird, wishful dreams. I can see flashes of random memories—or maybe delusions.
Us—Me in Theia's body and Zion kissing in the clinic with the curtains drawn after he fainted in that horror house.
He found out I was the creepy white lady crawling and chasing him and while mimicking, making fun of his reactions, and laughing heartily, he remained staring as if watching his favorite movie.
Nawala pa ang ngiti ko nang matanto ang malakas na pagtawa.
"Why?" I asked when he suddenly grabbed my face for a kiss.
We were alone in the clinic, uwian na ng ibang college students at lumabas ang nurse kung saan man kaya naiwan kaming dalawa habang binabantayan ko siyang magising.
He was the one who fainted but he slammed me on the bed instead and stood right before me while kissing my neck and I was grasping his hair.
"Mapapanot na 'ko n'yan, hun," bulong niyang natatawa habang nagpapatak ng halik sa leeg ko.
"I think longer hair would suit you," I whispered back.
"How long?" He asked and met my eyes, "like the last month?"
"No, a bit longer," I bit my lip, "kagaya no'ng nakikita ko sa palabas? I think a man bun with that length would suit you. Sexy,"
He smirked, "sexy?"
I nodded, "yeah, I think I'll have fun pulling your hair. Then, I'd steal your ponytail."
He laughed, my heart jumped.
"You planned that far already?"
I nodded and swayed my feet on the bed while he's in the middle and towering me.
"Collection," I smirked, "I want you with a longer hair, para sa akin na 'yong panali mo."
"Okay," he smiled, "longer hair it is, sana 'di masita sa guidance pero nah. Guidance lang sila, honey ko 'to."
He stole another kiss.
We made out, like we always do whenever we find ourselves alone. We have done this kissing five times already. Yes, I counted.
Our first kiss was lunch time. Pinipeste kasi ako ng fangirls niya na tinatakot ko si Zion para ibigay sa 'kin ang baunan niya kapalit no'ng sandwich ko na paborito.
Because of it, since I don't want the drama and Wyatt would kill me if I make a scene and people found out I stole someone's identity, I refused his lunch. Akala niya ayaw ko lang ng pagkain so he cooked a new meal the next day. I refused again.
Akala niya pangit ang lasa kaya sumubok siya nang sumubok. Maraming beses akong nagalit at pinatigil siya. I said he should stop pestering me and I know it hurt his feelings but he didn't miss.
After leaving him with harsh words the last day, he'd come back with a renewed smile and new lunch the following day.
He never missed.
It hurts me, too, but if Wyatt found out I was seeing someone when I should be invisible, he'd kill him. I don't want him to.
Zion is the only one I have. The only person who cared for me. Who acknowledge my existence when I didn't even know if I have one.
All my life, I only know I was the Duchess. No name or anything.
Just a stolen identity from Theia Dominguez. I heard her father was one of Wyatt's goons before but I think he fucked up one of his missions. He was killed with his whole family to not leave any witnesses.
I assumed her name and got in this university.
Siguro naninibago ako kasi kahit kailan 'di pa naman ako nakakaranas ng ganito. I appreciate men, I know good-looking people when I see one.
I already had kisses, too. From random men I have to seduce first to extract information. Wyatt Anderson Jr., even forced me to kiss him one time he was drunk.
I was sleeping when he crawled on my bed like a creep and tried touching me. In defense, binasag ko ang bote ng alak niya sa ulo at sinaksak siya sa tiyan ng bubog.
He might've forgotten who I was. Does he think he could touch me just because his father's in power?
Wyatt Sr., was mad after knowing it. He punished me and starved me for a week but at least I stabbed his asshole son. Win-win.
But Zion? Everything with him feels like the first.
Pag-ibig ba ang tawag kapag mabilis ang tibok ng puso at parang may umiikot sa tiyan? Pag-ibig ba kapag hinahanap-hanap ko siya t'wing umaga at inaantay ang pangungulit niya kahit tinatanggihan ko?
Was it love waiting for his corny joke entry of the day kahit sa ending binabara ko lang siya at iniirapan?
One day, when I passed through his classroom and didn't see him, I was worried. The next day still like that, I was worried I went all the way and asked his sister, Sibyl, and found out he was sick.
I am concerned. Gusto kong magsabi na p'wede ko bang makita ang kapatid niya pero nakakahiya. Hindi rin naman na ako pinansin ni Sibyl at umalis din pagkatanong ko.
I know everyone thinks I'm just Zion's flavor of the year or something. He's a ladies' man, I know. No one takes his fascination of me seriously.
They think it was a joke. I maybe was.
I wasn't expecting him to appear at lunch but he did. I was shocked.
He was still burning with fever. Naka-shirt lang at khaki pants nang dumating sa madalas naming tinatambayan kapag lunch and when he saw me, he smiled brightly like he wasn't sick and showed me the paper bag where my lunch was.
"Hi, honey," he beamed, "Sorry wala ako kahapon, 'di kasi ako pinalabas ni Mom sa bahay. Nagalit kaya ngayon lang ako nakatakas kasi nasa shoot siya. Dumaan lang ako, uwi rin ako kaagad at baka mapagalitan. Ito na 'yong lunch mo—"
But I was already running and hugged him tight. He was frozen.
"Theia?" He asked, concerned, "are you okay, baby?"
I nodded and hugged him more. Napahawak siya sa likod ko.
"Wow...okay," he breathed and kissed my hair, "w-well, I cooked you lunch. Bagong recipe 'to, imbento ko lang pero masarap naman. Hindi ko na kasi niluto 'yong nakaraan kasi ayaw mo—"
"Fuck lunch," I hissed and moved away.
He stared at me with confusion, "w-what?"
Pero sinasapo ko na ang mukha niya at hinahalikan siya.
It was the start of that secret love affair. Hindi pa kami, 'di ko pa siya sinasagot pero kung umakto kaming dalawa ay para nang mag-syota.
I knew he wanted to introduce me to his family, to his cousins but I refused. Saying, it will take time. I told him, he could court me but what we do was...well, beyond that.
We make out. In the bench, in the library, in the cinema while we're on a secret date. I gave him a head in the dark, for the first time in my life.
Dalawa kaming tulala pagkatapos no'n palabas ng sinehan.
Hiyang-hiya ako at nakatungo pa pagkalabas pero inakbayan niya lang ako at bumulong.
"That was fucking great, hun, but you don't have to do that if you're not ready," he whispered.
"A-ayaw mo ba?" I asked and lifted my head to peek at him.
"Who said I don't?" Tumaas ang kilay niya, "I love it, I love you."
I was flabbergasted. Kumurap-kurap ako at napakamot sa pisngi.
"I..."
"Don't force yourself, hun," he smiled at me, "just let me love you."
We love touching each other, making out when we have the chance but we never reached it to the point where we're having actual sex and undressing—at least not for me.
We dry hump, I came a lot of times while just humping him with clothes on. He'll just pull my skirt up and I'll ride him until I'm satisfied but for him...well, he didn't just give me his heart. I owned his body, too.
I love giving him blow jobs.
Yeah, I'm a dirty dirty girl. But he loved it, too!
He don't touch me down there, not yet. Hindi pa nga kami umaabot sa punto na tatanggalin niya ang damit ko kahit man lang makahawak ng walang harang sa dibdib ko! He touches me without the need to strip and because I was grateful and loved how he make me feels, after I came, I go down on him.
The most daring thing we did was when I gave him a hand under the desk while in the library. We almost got caught.
But it was the most thrilling thing I did in my life.
Zion make me feel free. I love it.
Now was another, while in the clinic after he woke up from fainting, he went beyond that.
He saw me unbuttoning the buttons of my blouse and he watched me with confusion and amazement.
"Hun?"
I took his hand and placed it on my chest, "wanna have a taste?"
He swallowed as his shoulders tensed. I can see his pants bulging. I smirked.
"Are you sure?" He breathed, "baka pumasok si nurse?"
"She went out," I bit my lip, "she won't be back for...a while."
He was hesitating, I saw him staring at me to read my reaction. If I was really ready for this and when I nodded and gave him a squeeze, he went all out.
He pulled my brassiere down and sucked my tits. It felt so liberated I cursed and pulled his hair. Feeling the way his tongue glided on my skin, how his teeth marked his territory. How he cursed softly.
"Mine," he whispered and caught my gaze while licking my nipple, "you're all...mine."
"You're mine, too," I reached for his pants and massaged his dick. "And your dick, too."
Malakas siyang tumawa at hinalikan ako.
"Always," he said in between kisses, "wherever you are was where my heart and dick will be."
"Kuya?" We both froze when we heard Sibyl's voice. "You fainted?!"
I heard laughters.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Zion nang marinig ang yapak niyang papalapit.
"Are you awake?"
Tinulak ako ni Zion kaya napahiga ako sa kama sabay balot ng sarili sa kumot para magpanggap na nahimatay habang si Zion ay nakatayo sa gilid ng kama, naka-pose pa.
Saktong pagbukas ng kurtina ay nagkatinginan silang magkapatid.
"W-wala na si Zion, patay na," he blurted loudly at his sister while standing beside me on the bed.
Fuck. Naging ako ang pasyente.
Unti-unti kong inangat ang kumot sa mukha sa kahihiyan.
Are dreams as vivid as that an imagination, delusion or alternate reality? It felt so authentic. It felt so real.
That I am contemplating if what's happening now is real, or another delusion of mine.
My supposedly hostage was a willing victim, and now, he's asking to join for a fucking road trip.
"What are you doing?" I hissed and glared at him.
"Roadtrip, misis," he smiled, "sama ka?"
Umawang ang labi ko bago napahawak sa sentido at sumulyap sa likod, his team was pointing their guns at us because of their damn boss!
"We're leaving, get out," I spat coldly.
Kumunot ang noo niya sabay ikot ng tingin, hinahanap ang imaginary friend niyang pinapalayas ko ata.
"Get. Out." I repeated, feeling the guns pointed at our direction.
One wrong move, I'll drop dead here!
"Get out!" I demanded when he glanced at my friend.
"Get out daw, hoy!" He nudged Jayden who was looking at him, confused.
"Not him!" I retorted. "You, Sandejas. Out!"
He pointed himself in shock, parang kasalanan ko pang pinapalabas ko siya.
"Me? How? I'm your hostage, right?" He asked.
Namaywang ako, "yes, and malaya ka na, Colonel. Get out and be free." Inilahad ko ang pintuan at gumilid pa at nakakahiya naman sa kamahalan na nahaharangan ko.
He moved closer to the door.
Yes, finally. My heart would calm down when he's gone—
"Pasabi kay Dad kidnap for ransom 'to! Buong kayamanan kapalit para makuha ako!" He informed his team.
"What the fuck," I breathed. His team had the same sentiment.
"Colonel," tawag ng isa, "anong—"
"Ransom," aniya sabay pasok muli at sandal niya sa upuan pabalik, "sama ako sa kanila, roadtrip kami."
"Sir?!" They panicked. I did, too.
"The hell are you doing?" Now, I'm genuinely pissed. I met his gaze. "Get out or..."
"Or?" He moved his head closer to mine to level our gazes. His blue eyes glinting with mirth. "Or what, misis?"
My heart throbbed.
"I'll kill you," I hissed under my breath.
"Oh..." he whistled and smirked, lifting his gaze back to his team. "Papatayin daw ako kapag 'di ako sumama, bye!"
"What the fuck?"
Kumaway siya sa team niya, "one minute, team. Kapag hindi sumakay misis ko rito, I'm giving you permission to shoot the van."
"Are you insane?!" I squealed, losing my cool. If I could punch him in the mouth, I would.
"For you?" He tilted his head, "yeah. Thirty seconds, baby."
"Bullet," tawag ni Jayden. "Get in."
"No," tapang ko pa, "I won't get in unless this shit head gets out."
"No," laban niya sa 'kin pabalik, "pumayag na si Clau na sasama 'ko sa roadtrip, 'di ba?"
The innocent one blinked and I could definitely see question marks forming above her head.
"Bullet," Jayden called. "We'll get shot. Get in."
"No,"
"Fifteen seconds," Zion whistled and crossed his legs.
Sumulyap ako sa likod, sa team niyang nakatutok ang baril. They're ready to fucking fire!
"Bullet!" Clau called.
I clenched my fist.
"Ten...nine..."
"Fine!" I hissed and get inside beside the idiot smiling at me now.
"Good girl," he purred and raised his hand. "Hold fire!"
They all stopped and then their boss waved, "bye! Kumusta n'yo na lang ako kay Dad!" And he even had the guts to close the door himself before signaling Jayden.
"Drive," utos niyang parang hari.
Sumimangot si Jayden. Kinamot ko ang pisngi.
What is this man planning?
Pagkalabas na pagkalabas namin sa parking at nang masigurado kong walang humabol sa amin o nakasunod, iritado akong sumulyap sa tabi.
He was staring like he did nothing wrong.
"Hi," he greeted.
Hindi ko siya inimik at binalingan si Claudine.
"Watch him," utos ko at mabilis na lumuhod sa upuan para kumuha ng panali sa likod, I was busy looking for a rope or something when another head appeared beside mine, nakikisingit.
"Anong hanap mo, Tish?"
Tinulak ko ang ulo niya paalis, "did I ask you to move?"
Nanlaki ang mata niya at umiling.
"No, Ma'am,"
"Then, fucking sit," utos ko kaya napatango-tango siya at ngumuso. He looked so amused and thrilled but chose to shut his mouth.
Good for him.
But what does he want? Was he planning to suddenly ambush us and kill me? I don't mind but my friends...and I'm not done yet with that old hag! I'll burn him alive!
"Hands," I said when I got back.
Nagtataka niya lang akong tinignan, "I said hands, up."
Inangat niya ang pulsuhan sa ere at hinawakan ko 'yon padikit bago paikutan ng lubid.
He smirked, "baby, if you want to tie me up, you could've just asked,"
Naubo si Jayden at parang nabulunan, our van swerved and Clau gasped loudly and smacked him.
"Careful!" Ang matigas at galit na boses ni Zion ang pumainlang sa ere. "My wife's here!"
Mas naubo si Jayden at si Clau ay para nang sinilihan na 'di mapakali. My cheeks heated.
Mas hinigpitan ko ang lubid hanggang sa ngumiwi na ang asawa.
"Aww, misis," his face softened. "Sakit ng sugat ko,"
My jaw ticked, annoyed again of the knife wound on his palm.
"Kung 'di ba naman kasi tanga," bulong ko at sinulyapan ang mga kaibigan. "Do we have first aid?"
"Yes," Clau peeked from the chair, "under your chair."
I took it out and opened it, realizing there is no bandage here but before I could say anything, nagsalita na si Claudine.
"There's a pharmacy nearby," aniya. "We'll buy one and grab lunch, do you like to eat?"
"No," umiling ako at hinatak ang kamay ni Zion palapit, "grab lunch, I'll be fine."
Nagbulungan si Jayden at Claudine sa harapan. Jayden seems to not like the idea but Clau already forced him out with a wide smile.
"Bullet," Jayden called seriously, "sumama ka na sa 'min,"
"I'm fine," I answered. "Grab lunch first and buy me some bandage,"
Sumulyap si Jay sa tabi ko, kay Zion na matalim ang tingin pabalik sa 'kin.
"Bullet—"
"My wife said no," Zion cut him off, his jaw clenching.
Hindi siya pinansin ni Jayden at muling sumulyap sa akin, I gave him a soft nod and smiled a little.
"I'm alright, I promise," I reassured him, "go and get something to eat."
He was hesitating, I know he don't trust Zion but Clau whispered something and took his hand. Sa huli ay tumango siya at inisang matalim na tingin ang asawa ko bago umalis.
"May gusto 'yon sa 'yo?" Barumbadong bungad no'ng gago sa tabi ko.
Hindi ako umimik at hinatak ang kamay niya para suriin ang sugat.
He has a cut on his palm from the knife he's been gripping earlier and he doesn't even look hurt. Kumuha ako ng cotton.
"Manliligaw mo?" He asked.
Pakialam mo? Tapos sinuntok ko siya.
Kidding. It's just in my imagination.
He's just pissing me off. The hell is he doing here? Roadtrip? Roadtrip?! Sinong baliw ang magpapa-hostage para mag-roadtrip?!
And it pissed me even more knowing my shattered pieces still knew him. Still feel for him.
He breathed, I could feel his intense gaze at me. Ginagawa ko lahat makaiwas lang sa tingin niya.
I realized the wedding band's still on his finger. I bit my inner cheek.
Hindi niya lang 'yan natanggal, Bullet.
"Are you eating right?" He asked, "you're...pale. Nangangayayat ka, nilulutuan ka ba ng lunch? Or are you eating take outs again? It's unhealthy—fuck!"
Bigla siyang napamura at nahila ang kamay niya nang makitang nilabas ko ang alcohol.
"What?" I asked, confused.
Kumurap siya at lumunok bago inilapit ang duguang palad sa may dibdib niya.
"I think I'm fine, hun," aniya habang nakatulala sa hawak ko.
"Fine? Eh, may sugat ka?" Tumaas ang kilay ko.
His eyes strayed from me, "hmm, I'm good. This is nothing, sugat lang 'to. Ano ka ba, masyado ka namang worried sa 'kin, misis—"
I scoffed, "don't tell me you're scared of alcohol, too?"
He tensed. I almost smile in triumph.
"Wow...the feared Reaper? Ghosts? Spider? Alcohol...really?"
"I'm not!" He answered defensively, annoyed at me, too.
Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko, "really? Oh, if it wasn't the case then why are you pulling your hand away—"
"Fine!" Like a brat, he offered me his hand again, "buhusan mo na. 'Di ako takot."
"Okay,"
He closed his eyes tightly, as if allowing me to make him a sacrificial lamb of sorts. He was showing me his bloody palm, brave but I knew the way his jaw clench and his other hand fisted.
Naglagay ako ng kaunting alcohol sa cotton bago marahang pinunasan ang paligid ng sugat Niya para alisin ang tuyong dugo.
Bumukas ang isang mata niya para silipin ako.
"For external use," I said. "Hindi binubuhos ang alcohol sa sugat."
"Hindi mo bubuhusan ng alcohol ang sugat ko?" He inquired in a small voice.
"Bakit? Gusto mo ba?" He was never this fast in shaking his head.
"Ayaw," lumunok siya at pinanuod ang kamay kong nililinisan ang sugat niya. "Thank you."
I shrugged, "what do you want? Bakit ka sumama?"
He sighed, "did you go to the doctor and had your wounds check?"
My hand shook a little with the concern from his voice and yet, I'm not sure if it was real.
"The Italians are after you," I told him.
"You should get your wounds check," pag-iiba niya sa topic. "I'll come with you, paano kapag naimpeksyon? Hindi ka pa ata kumakain ng tama."
"That's why we're in the rooftop," I explained. "That's my only intention. Now that you know, hindi na ako manggugulo—"
"She misses you. I..." he hesitated and watched my reaction. "We...she and Meow-meow do. She cries every night, asking for your return—"
"Did she like the toys?" I cut him off.
I saw pain on his eyes but nodded, "yeah, she rides it everyday with her favorite toy and the kitten. She wanted to show you her new agent outfit. Nagpagawa ako kay Crest ng para sa kanya, it was and a transforming one, p'wedeng pag-princess tapos nagiging pang-agent. She wanted to show you."
My heart ached.
I nodded, "tell her I liked it, I'm sure it suits her."
"Come home," he whispered.
I stiffened.
With my trembling hands, I continued cleaning the sides of his wound when his finger touched mine. I could feel the sudden friction it caused, making my chest wreck havoc.
I scratched my cheek. Gumalaw ang isang kamay niya at kinuha ang palad kong nasa pisngi.
"Don't," he pressed. "We'll see a dermatologist—"
"Could we stop playing shit games, Reaper?" I grimaced and stared at him blankly. "What do want? Me? Gone?"
"Tish—"
"I will disappear, okay?" I breathed, "just...give me some time. I'll kill Wyatt, I promise. I won't let him touch Twila again, or you and anyone in your family."
"No,"
"No?"
"You won't go there alone, I'm coming with you—"
"What now?" Natawa ako, "you can go and went rouge and I can't? You can attack the headquarters alone and I can't?"
"It's not..." pumikit siya ng mariin, "it's not that, Bevurleigh."
"Oh, what is? Hinahanap mo 'ko sa kanila? I'm here now, I'm not with them anymore. Okay? If you really can't wait for me to die then leave me alone, at least! Give me Wyatt. After I'm done, I'll be dead."
"Take me with you, then," he blurted.
Mas nagsalubong ang kilay ko.
"What?"
"If you die, I'll die with you," sinabi niya 'yon habang nakatitig sa akin.
I am skeptical. Natawa ako at umiling.
"Are you shitting me? Why would you die with me?"
But he was serious, nanatili siyang nakakatitig sa 'kin—sa mga mata ko. I could see the mixture of emotions mirroring his blue orbs.
His eyes watered. Parang hinahalukay ang sikmura ko.
"Why am I so stupid," bulong niya habang nakatitig sa 'kin, "how could I forget you?"
My hands trembled when a scene flashed my head, one of my delusions. Him on his bended knees, watching me nod my head while he's slipping the ring on my finger.
Nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
I'm delusional.
Bumuntonghininga siya at nahulog ang tingin sa kamay ko. I'm still wearing our wedding ring.
Painfully, with my heart racing, I took it off.
His breath hitched.
"Tish..."
"Please, sign the annulment papers," bulong ko at inilahad sa kanya ang singsing.
He shook his head.
"No," kinuyom niya ang kamay bago ko pa mailagay.
"What?"
"I'm not taking that ring back," his jaw clenched. "There'll be no annulment—"
"Gago ka ba?" Bumusangot ako at pilit na binuklat ang kamay niya pero ang lakas ng kuyom! "Take it!"
"No!" He hissed back, "I won't take it back!"
"Edi okay!" Sigaw ko pabalik, "akin na 'to! Sasangla ko 'to!"
"Don't you dare, Bevurleigh Leticia!"
I smirked, "oh, I would, Zion Schauffer." Sabay suot ko ulit ng singsing at halughog sa bulsa niya para sa kwintas ko. "This is mine, too. Isasangla ko."
He glared at me. I glared back.
He eyed the knife resting in between us. I eyed it, too. Nagkatinginan kaming ulit, naghahamunan.
"Don't you fucking dare take the knife, honey," his jaw clenched.
"Oh, husband, I would," sabay hawak ko sa kutsilyo at sampa sa kanya.
He cursed and glared when I pointed the knife on his throat but before I could further move, naramdaman ko ang mabilis na hawak sa boots ko at maya-maya'y may kutsilyo na rin sa tagiliran ko.
"Do it," he challenged.
"Nah, do it first, matapang ka, 'di ba?" I smirked back.
Nasa akto na kaming saksakang dalawa nang pumasok ang dalawa at nagmura.
"The fuck are you two doing?!" Jayden hissed while Clau's just hugging the paperbag on her chest, shock of the sight.
Sa huli ay bumaba na ako sa hita niya at nagalit na si Jayden, binuksan pa ang pintuan at walang nagpapatalo sa aming dalawa.
"Go on, sige, magsaksakan na kayo!" He challenged but no one moved.
"Do it, wife," Zy smirked, pleased with our position with me straddling his legs. Mayabang pa siyang sumulyap kay Jayden na masama ang tingin sa kanya.
Sa huli, inuntog ko ang ulo sa kanya bago umalis at humalukipkip sa pwesto ko, si Claudine ay tumatawa sa unahan at kumikindat sa 'kin.
Parang nagsisi tuloy akong mga kaibigan ko 'to.
Kinuha ko ang bandage sa kanila at hinatak ang kamay ni Zion para lagyan ang palad niya.
"Lagyan ko 'to ng alcohol, makikita mo,"
"Oh, you won't," he mused.
I laughed, "are you daring me?"
But he shot his brow up. Ang yabang!
Sa inis ko, winisikan ko ng kaunting alcohol. Sunod-sunod siyang nagmura at nasipa pa ako. Sinipa ko rin para gumanti!
Tang ina pala siya, eh!
I smiled with satisfaction when he cleared his throat and tried pulling his hand away but I won't let go. Binalot ko iyon ng bandage, sinadyang higpitan pa para mapaigtad siya.
"Look after your wounds," I said. "Get this check to avoid infections."
"You checked it already,"
"Hindi ako doktor. " I shrugged. "No one's gonna see to it but you."
Natahimik siya at tumitig lang sa kamay kong hawak pa rin ang kanya.
When I realized it, I pulled away. Sumandal ako at bumuntonghininga.
"Stop starting a war against the Italians, Wyatt was another thing. This one's not something you wanna start, Reaper."
"Don't care," sagot niya. "Let's start a war, then."
"Are you an idiot?" Sinuklay ko ang buhok at pagod siyang pinanuod. "Those are royalties!"
"I'm a Sandejas," he shrugged.
Nasapo ko ang noo.
"This is different, Zion. Hindi basta-basta 'to, DEA shouldn't be involved with the likes of them. If I kill Wyatt, they would leave us alone. Wala na silang kapit kapag wala si Wyatt. They are after the USB, I think. I left it on my house, you got it, right?"
His shoulder squared. His lips thinned.
"Right?" I asked, "give it to me. Ako nang bahala."
"No," he said in finality.
"Why not?! They are after that and you got it!"
"And what? Put your life in risk?!" He asked me angrily, "no, Bullet. I won't let you risk your life again! Not for me! Not for us! I will not risk you again."
It made me question a lot of things but when I try to form words, nothing came out of my mouth.
"Saan tayo?" Jayden asked awkwardly when silence filled the vehicle.
"Roadtrip," ani Zy na nakabawi na at kahit nakatali ang kamay ay nagdekwatro pa, "saan kayo nakatira? Sama ako."
I rolled my eyes.
He's insufferable. I'm done.
"To DEA's building," I said.
"What?" Zion asked, "no way! I'm your hostage!"
"Ayoko, ibabalik na kita sa Daddy mo," I mocked and smirked when he was mad again.
It reminded me so much of Twinkle kapag 'di nakukuha ang gusto.
"No. Way." Umiling siya.
"Yes, way, honey," I smiled at him and when our van took a sharp turn, he was stomping his feet like a child.
Damulag na Twinkle. Akala niya cute.
Ang gwapo kaya. Ang sarap itulak palabas ng van.
We got into DEA's parking undetected by the security and Zion was shaking his head, resisting.
"No, honey, please," umiling siya nang lumuhod ako sa upuan at kumuha no'ng nakita kong lumang ribbon sa likod at nilalagyan siya ng ribbon sa leeg para gift kunwari.
So cute.
I beamed.
"You can use me!" He negotiated. "Use me as bait to get Wyatt!"
"No," I said in finality and clapped my hand, "tsaran! Here's our gift!"
Napabughalit ng tawa si Clau sa ginawa ko sa asawa at si Jayden ay inilingan ako. Zion was resisting but he couldn't kick me at ako ang nagpresintang hahawak sa paa niya.
Ang laki-laki niyang tao kaya ilang beses akong muntik matipalok habang hatak siya. Ipinwesto namin siya sa glass doors ng parking bago ako sumulyap kay Jayden at sinabing mauna muna siya doon sa loob ng van.
When he disappeared, lumuhod ako sa gilid ni Zion at inabot ang phone para matawagan ang reception.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Miss. I think there's a lost toddler in your parking? Can you check, please?"
After calling, I stared at my husband again with a red ribbon on his neck.
Adorably handsome.
"Tish," he breathed and tried resisting the rope on his wrist, "take me with you."
I lifted my hand, hesitant at first but I brushed his hair away from his cheek and touched his jaw.
"Take care of yourself and Twinkle," mahinang sabi ko. "And don't forget to feed Meow-meow, hmm?"
His lips parted, "let's talk, please," the desperation was evident on his voice.
"Whatever Mom said, she was just protective of us. She didn't mean it that way—"
"She's a mother, I know," I smiled firmly. "I understand."
"I'm sorry," he pleaded, "I'm wrong, it's not your fault. We are looking into that woman pretending as you when Twinkle was abducted. If only you could give me time to find her. Take me with you, I'll explain, please. Hindi mo kasalanan, I was wrong for blaming you."
"But it was my fault, Zy," I shrugged and accepted it. "Okay lang, 'di naman ako galit. Alam kong kasalanan ko. I could've asked for help but didn't."
"It wasn't your fault," he emphasized, "you are just that asshole's victim and I was a fool to fall for Wyatt's trap! Misis, please, k-kahit isang araw lang, let me come with you..."
I just stared at him.
"I'm looking for you," he whispered and tried taking my hand. "They won't tell me where you are, I thought they took you."
"They didn't," umiling ako, "I'm staying with my friends. I'm fine, just sign the annulment and deliver it to the return address. I could process it so you won't have to—"
"I won't," he shook his head, "no."
"Zion," I gasped desperately. "H-hindi ko na alam kung anong plano mo. Just...let's stop this games, hmm? I'll be gone before you know it—"
"Kaya nga ayoko! Kasi mawawala ka!" He exclaimed, his eyes glassy, "iiwan mo 'ko! Iiwan mo kami ni Twinkle!"
My breath caught. Kumuyom ang kamay ko at umiling sa kanya.
"I lost you before, h-how could I allow losing you again?" He whispered, more to himself. "I failed you a lot of times before. I'm not failing you again. I love you,"
Kumunot ang noo ko at umalon ang sikmura.
I don't want to believe those words but it know he's genuine. He loves me, he had always loved me.
"S-sorry, I can't," umiling akong paulit-ulit. "I don't know how to,"
Hurt flashed his eyes.
"Even the shattered ones?" He hoped.
I smiled sadly, "I don't even have that, too."
Tumayo ako nang makitang may security nang lumalabas sa elevator.
"Theia, please," he called while staring at me.
My head throbbed.
The smiling face of Theia flashing on my head. She was smiling in the mirror but it was my face showing in the reflection. Not hers.
Nanghina ang tuhod ko at tumalikod para takbuhin na ang van na mabilis na tumalilis paalis sa lugar.
"Are you okay? Bullet? What happened?!" Clau reached for me when she saw me fisting my hair. "Bullet?!"
"I-it hurts," I whispered and screamed, fisting my hair, "my h-head, my face...it's..." I screamed.
And screamed. Until everything went black.
And the next days were a blur when it came back to me, like a whirlpool of memories.
I am Theia Dominguez.
"Don't force yourself to remember, Bullet," Deion smiled. "It takes time."
"Thank you," sumandal ako sa sofa at hinilot ang sentido.
I didn't even know why I consulted Deion about this when there are a lot of doctors around. It's just that, I trust him more and he introduced me to professionals that helped me a lot in my case.
"Water?"
"Yes, please," when he gave me the glass, dire-diretso ko iyon ng inom at sumandal muli. "Thank you for not telling Zion."
"I don't disclose patient's information, Bullet," he smiled. "He's my cousin but you're my patient. You trusted me with everything, I won't taint that. That is your doctor talking but as a friend...he's desperately looking for you."
I smiled bitterly, "he's better off without me, Dei. Ipapahamak ko lang sila ni Twinkle."
Natahimik ako, "you know I kept on wondering why does it have to happen to me? What did I do wrong to deserve this fucked life? Bakit ako? Sa lahat...why me?"
Tumitig siya sa 'kin at maliit na ngumiti.
"Everything happens for a reason, Bullet. Might be harsh. We might think it's unfair but that's how life is. May rason kung bakit kailangang mangyari. Life has terrible ways to make someone learn something and we don't even deserved it. It's fucked and terrible, I know. But it wasn't our fault. It wasn't your fault.
"Pero hindi dahil may dahilan ang lahat, basta na lang din nating tatanggapin. We can interfere and change the outcome—whatever life throws at us, we just can't always go with it, Bullet. We just can't say, 'hayaan mo na. Bahala na'. We don't always have to bleed to grow. With life putting us in tough situations, along the journey, we'll have to learn to go against it—to fight and instead of asking why me? We'll learn to say try me."
Talking to him always feel so good. He's kind and knows what to say. It's just a month ago when I approached him and he helped me through a lot.
I had head trauma. It was a blatant force one, and as per my CT scans, I was slammed in the head by something heavy. Repeatedly.
And if that's heavy enough, you're wrong. There's more.
I have met dermatologists with my friend's and Deion's help. They validated my foggy memory. This wasn't my face before. I was battered, abused and it caused me enough damage to be unrecognizable.
They changed my features, making me someone new. They erased my beauty mark. And I've been scratching my cheek when stressed a mannerism, a part of my brain knew I always do that before.
How is that possible? I'm not sure.
They compared my pictures before and after and explained things and until now, I still find it hard to believe.
It made me furious. Enraged. My blood calls for revenge, for death, for blood.
They...destroyed my face.
I couldn't remember everything yet, just parts and pieces but I could slowly thread to the bigger picture. Dei said I should take it slow and let it be.
I had a relationship with Zion and when Wyatt found out about it, he asked me to kill him. I refused. He threatened he'd kill him if I don't go away, I did.
Kasabay no'n ay nalaman kong ipinadala pala ni Wyatt Sr., ang anak—Wyatt Jr.—he befriended Sibyl and I was too late to stop it. Nalaman ko lang na may balak sila no'ng nakapasok na ang huli sa bahay nina Sibyl.
I have informed Zion about it, risking everything and they got there for Sibyl but it was too late. Sibyl had killed Wyatt's son and his body disappeared like that.
Wyatt was furious and almost killed me in frustration but I was still his ace, he couldn't touch me. He didn't know I told Zion something's gonna happen in their house but that messed with my relationship with Zion.
He asked and called, hindi ako nagpakita. Nahihiya at natatakot na umamin na hindi ako mabuting babae kagaya ng inaakala niya. I kill people for a living but then, while I was watching him from afar, making sure he's safe—he caught me and asked me to marry him.
It's not registered but it was real for us. We even went away with only the two of us for a honeymoon.
He didn't ask a thing about how I found out something's gonna happen in the house—it was as if he knew and he understood. He accepted me. He loved me.
His family might not know about us pero 'di na 'yon importante. Basta may Zion ako. Masaya na ako.
Sobra na nga 'yon. Sobrang-sobrang kasiyahan na nakakamatay pala kapag naglaho na lang bigla.
Maybe we're not meant for each other. Sibyl accidentally pushed him off the stairs when she was having an episode due to her traumatic experience. I saw it all happened.
I'm wearing a nurse's uniform with my mask on to hide my identity so no one would know I wasn't working there, beside the doctor when the family rang the emergency button, saying Zion woke up.
Our eyes met but his was empty.
He didn't remember me. He...forgot about me.
I can vividly remember how I cried that night, how I went to a rampage and secretly killed Wyatt Jr.'s remaining goons and got rid of their bodies alone.
I watched how happy Zion was even without me and realized he's better off without me. In that case, he'd be away from harm.
From afar, I watched him and his family to safety while discovering more. Nasa dugo ko na ata ang maging mapagmatyag at hindi sinasadyang nalaman ang katauhan ng mga kinatatakutan nina Wyatt.
Anonymously, I tipped Zeijan Sandejas—Archer of the underworld of everything I know about Wyatt's agency.
They messed with my man, I would die for revenge.
While Archer was taking down headquarters and shutting down operations, nakabantay ako sa asawa ko. He was going in the bar with his cousins and leaving with them, too.
I half expected he'd be leaving with girls, of course, he don't even know my existence but never once I saw him leaving with one. I saw him talk with some, yeah. Beautiful girls but Zion's always been a women's man.
His personality's just like that. Magaan ang loob ng mga tao sa kanya.
Our gazes met one time, in the bar and it was the first time I spoiled myself and stared at him. Pinagsawa ko ang mata sa titig niya at gano'n din siya sa 'kin.
He suddenly smiled and lifted the glass of beer who's holding. Tumango lang ako at nag-iwas ng tingin.
He looked at me! He looked at me!
Sa muling pagsulyap ko sa kanya ay nakatayo na siya at nagwala ang dibdib ko nang makitang papalapit siya kaya sa takot ay nakipagsiksikan ako sa mga tao para tumakas.
When Sibyl's scandal—the video of her scolding the kids got out of the press. Mas naging madalang pa ang tiyansa kong makita ang asawa dahil pabalik-balik siya sa ibang bansa, sa Sta. Monica at Maynila. He resumed training in the military, too, kaya uhaw na uhaw ako sa presensya niya.
I guess it's for the better. I was only meant to watch him from afar.
But now, well, I'm watching him and Twinkle.
I missed my little star.
I am in disguise. Black wig, shades and cap.
"Kuya! Lumpiaaa!" She was making a scene in the supermarket.
In her sage green dress, terno shoes and tiara. May bag pack pa siyang kulay green din at magic wand.
It was her first time in the supermarket. Hindi ko alam anong nakain ng Kuya niya at isinama ang bulilit.
"Later, princess," ani Zy na buhat-buhat siya at nagtitingin ng gatas sa mga stall. "Hanapin muna natin 'yong brand ng milk mo."
"No!" She yelped. "I. Want. Lumpia!"
Zion stared at her, her amber eyes stared back and I can see people watching them with fascination, amused.
"Ang cute nilang mag-ama," hagikhik no'ng mga babaeng dumaan sa gilid ko.
"Single father?" They giggled. Tumaas ang kilay ko.
"Tanungin mo 'yong cute na baby, baka gusto niya ng stepmother,"
"They don't need one," 'di na 'ko nakatiis at nagsalita na.
Sabay-sabay silang sumulyap sa 'kin.
"Miss?"
"Oh, sorry, I mean...I'm the Mom," tinanggal ko ang shades at ngumiti sa kanila. Natigalgal sila at natahimik.
Kikidlatan ata ako kakasinungaling.
"O-oh...I see..." tumango-tango sila, nakatitig pa rin.
I smiled sweetly.
"They're adorable, right?" I beamed, "first time kasi ng mag-ama ko sa grocery,"
"M-mukha nga," awkward silang natawa at kumaway, "sige, Miss! Bye!"
I waved and when they're gone, binalik ko ang shades at nagtago muli para panoorin ang dalawang magkapatid na nagtatalo na.
"That wasn't your milk, princess," ani Zy. "Mom said you'll drink only one brand of milk, 'di p'wede 'yan."
"I want pink!"
"Magtatae ka, sige," Zy threatened. "Gusto mo 'yon, sasakit ang tummy mo?"
Sabay silang bumaba ang tingin sa tiyan ni Twinkle na mataba. I almost laugh.
Adorable.
"This is your milk, if you drink that at hindi sanay ang tummy mo. Magtatae ka. Gusto mo 'yon, ikaw na si Twinkle tae-tae?"
Twinkle made a face and smacked her brother's face.
"Bad Kuya!" She hissed. "At least I have pink poop!"
He laughed.
"I'm not bad, I was just telling you we couldn't just switch milk, baby. 'Di ba, sabi ni pediatrician doctor mo na dapat consult muna kasi no'ng baby ka pa hanggang ngayon sensitive ka sa foods?"
Oh...okay, wow. That's why they always cook for her. I rarely see takeouts for Twinkle.
"Aww..why po, Kuya? Kulang sa year?"
Zion laughed, "kulang ka kasi sa buwan no'ng baby ka pa. Nasa incubator ka kasi kulang ang nutrients mo and weak ang body mo kaya dapat i-check ka palagi ni doctor."
My heart flinched. Kumuyom ang kamay ko.
"Why is tummy..."
Tinusok ni Zy ang tiyan ng kapatid. She giggled and laughed.
"Of course you grew up healthy! Strong and beautiful! Not to mention very perfect," he winked and kissed her cheek. "But we have to listen to the doctor, if you won't, gusto mo ba sa clinic?"
She shook her head.
Zy's eyes softened.
"Good girl, princess," marahang ibinaba niya ang kapatid sa lapag. "If you behave, I have a surprise for you."
She giggled, "supwise?!"
Zy smirked, "yes, princess. You'll like it," umangat ang tingin niya sa may pwesto ko kaya napaatras ako at nagtago sa cart ng tsitsirya.
Shit! Muntik na!
Zy laughed, "beautiful."
"Me?" Twinkle asked.
"Yeah," he chuckled, "let me check which formula first, stay there."
Sumilip ako. Naglakad kaunti si Zion para abutin ang gatas habang si Twinkle ay nasa gilid ng cart na mas malaki pa sa kanya at binibilang ang gummies niya na nandoon sa loob.
I smiled.
But then it vanished when Twinkle peeked at his brother and when he realized he wasn't looking, she crawled on the ground and escaped.
Nasapo ko ang noo.
Twila Klein!
Sumunod ako. Tumatawa siya nang makatakas sa Kuya niya at patalon-talon pa kung saan man ang punta. I watched her went to the fridge and then lifted her wand.
"I want Lumpia!" She swirled her wand but no lumpia came out.
She repeated the process. Still none. She blushed in frustration.
"Fake wand!" Busangot niya bago na tinalon ang fridge para subukang buksan. She couldn't reach it.
She looked from left to right, jumping again and when her shoulders fell, my heart did, too.
"No lumpia..." she said, "Twinkle sad..."
Sumalampak siya ng upo sa sahig at inangat ang tuhod para isubsob doon ang mukha.
"Sad si Twinkle! Twinkle sad! Wawa naman akooo! La la la..." she sang in a sad tune.
Hindi ko alam kung matatawa ako o maaawa kaya naglakad ako sa tabi niya, tahimik na binuksan ang fridge at kumuha ng tatlong balot no'ng paborito niya.
I breathed and shifted my body to place the lumpia beside her before leaving when I met wide amber eyes gawking at me with her mouth parting.
"A-Ate ko?" She called.
"I-I'm not..."
My mind rummaged for excuses, to find my way out to escape and I think I could make one until I felt a warm palm claiming my stomach from behind.
"Found you, misis," he whispered then placed his chin on my shoulder while hugging me from behind.
"Here's your surprise, princess," sabay lahad sa akin ni Zion sa kapatid na tumitili na nang sobrang lakas at niyayakap ang hita ko.
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