Kabanata 23
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Kabanata 23
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
It's a trap! I repeat, it's a trap!
Mission abort, Scythe!
"Wala na ikaw kawala, Agent Bullet!" That tiny voice and the glint of her excited amber eyes made me concede.
I gave up.
"What, why?" I asked and silently elbowed Zion's stomach while he's hugging me from behind.
He coughed but didn't let go. Tinapakan ko ang paa.
"Misis!" He groaned pero 'di ko pinansin at napangiti nang makawala, pinapantayan ng tingin si Twinkle na nakatingala sa akin.
"Huli na ikaw ni Agent Twinkle Star!" She chirped then took her small bag off, pinagmasdan ko siyang binuksan ang zipper at umangat ang labi nang makitang may laruan siyang plastic na posas doon, kulay pink at may glitters.
"Wow..." I blurted when her tiny hand reached for mine and cuffed it with it, sinubukan niyang posasan din isang kamay pero hindi naman pang-edad ko ang laruan kaya 'di maabot.
Humaba ang nguso niya sabay angat ng tingin sa kapatid.
"Pangit! Fake posas ba 'to po?!" Masiga niyang sabi.
Tumawa si Zy at lumuhod din sa tabi ko para mapantayan si Twinkle. I shivered when our shoulders touched.
"It's just not for adults, princess," ani Zion. "Kaya 'di abot kamay ni Ate kasi pangbata lang 'yan."
"Whattt?" She whined, "pa'no na huhuli ng bad guys? Wala ba bad guys na kids?!"
I blinked and shrugged, "I don't think so, darling,"
Nahulog ang balikat niya at malungkot na tumingin sa posas sa isang kamay ko. It's fake and plastic I could easily took it off and escape but seeing her excited face beaming and her disappointed look now...
I breathed.
"How about, sa akin ang isang posas tapos sa 'yo ang isa? Gano'n ang ginagawa ng iba, 'di ba, Zy?" Sumulyap ako sa tabi at napaatras sa gulat nang matantong sobrang lapit ng mukha naming dalawa.
Our nose touched at mabuti na lang nakaiwas ako kaagad ng tingin bago pa niya mahuli ang pamumula ng mukha ko!
"Well, yeah," Zion answered lightly, amused. "That what adult agents do at times, princess. Para 'di makawala, poposan nila ang sarili nila tapos 'yong nahuli nila."
"Oh...yay!" She jumped up and down and happily cuffed herself with the other one then smiled at me, "target secwure!"
"Secured, princess," sabay naming pagtatama ni Zy.
"Secwure!" Ulit pa niya na parang wala lang, malaki ang ngiti.
Sa pagtayo ko ay napanguso ako nang makitang umangat ang maliit na kamay ni Twila dahil sa posas na nakalagay din sa pulsuhan ko at dahil maliit siya...
"Karga kay Ate," I offered my arm and smiled when she jumped on it before hugging my nape and encircling her tiny legs on my waist.
"Yehey!" She chirped again and my heart swelled when she kissed my cheek, "misyow miss you, Ate kooo!" She said in a singing tone, making my eyes hurt.
"I-I miss you, too," I whispered back and kissed her cheek, thankful I still have my shades on and they couldn't see my eyes.
Thankful they couldn't see the tears forming.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Zion nang mapansin kong nakatitig siya sa 'ming dalawa.
He was happy. I saw his face lit up but other than that, I still could see the hurt in it.
"Princess," panimula ni Zion na nilagay ang lumpia na kinuha ko sa cart at may inilahad sa cart, "do you wanna sit here?" He offered a spot.
"Yes!" She chirped and moved her body towards the cart.
"Good girl," aniya at marahang kinuha sa braso ko si Twinkle para paupuin sa cart at dahil nga nakaposas kami ay ako at napunta doon sa hawakan ng cart at tumulak.
"Comfortable?" Bulong ng nasa tabi ko.
Sinulyapan ko ang pwesto niya't napailing.
"How did you even know it was me?" I asked quietly, "I'm in full disguise."
"I know," he chuckled. Siniksik niya ang sarili sa tabi ko sa cart at humawak sa handle. "What's that, black wig, big sunglasses and cap? Nice disguise, hun."
"Shit head," I hissed.
Tumawa siya at kinuha ang cap ko kaya sumabog ang buhok. Isinuot niya kay Twinkle ang cap ko kaya humagikhik ang huli.
"I can't see!" She giggled more.
But I couldn't appreciate her cuteness much when her brother's leaning in towards me as whispered.
"I know my wife when I see her," bulong niya.
I closed my eyes and walked with them silently as they shop for foods and snacks. I watched and felt the hollow on my chest suddenly getting filled up while looking at them fighting over an ice cream flavor.
Twinkle liked strawberry, the latter wanted chocolate.
Me? I liked seeing them again, being this close to them. Kahit saglit lang, mapagbigyan man lang ang sarili.
"Bullet?" Clau's voice called.
I pressed my comms, "hmm?"
"You were caught,"
I laughed a little and nod my head, "guess so, can't resist some tiny human."
Nahulog ang tingin ko kay Twinkle na nakaupo sa cart na parang laruan at abala kakapilit kay Zion sa ice cream na gusto.
Clau laughed, "you could stay with them for a while,"
"Nah..." umiling ako, "ihahatid ko lang at aalis na—"
"You deserved to feel loved, Bullet," she whispered, "I hope you know that."
Hindi ako nakaimik at humigpit lang ang hawak sa cart.
"Anyway, I called to tell you Jay and I will be gone just for few days, hmm...you know, mamamasyal lang—"
"Oh, don't mind me, go." Ngumisi ako, "enjoy, galingan mo gumiling, ah?"
When she gasped loudly, napatawa na ako.
"And can you give me my pouch? My contacts are there," I said.
"Iniwan mo?"
"Hmm," I answered. "My eyes are irritated again so I didn't wear it. Hindi ko rin naman alam na mahuhuli ako ng agent na maliit..." sabay tusok ko sa tagiliran ni Twinkle nang mahuling nakiki-chismis siya sa 'kin.
She smiled widely, lumitaw tuloy ang bungi. Tumungo ako at hinalikan ang noo niya.
"Alright, I'll leave it by the baggage counter,"
"Thanks, Clau."
"Ate, sino usap mo po?" She asked after I'm done talking with my friend.
"Just for work, darling," sagot ko at hinaplos ang matambok na pisngi niya but instead of a smile, I noticed the shift of emotion in her eyes.
"Why pow, Ate? Leave na ikaw ulit para sa work? Pwomise po, 'di na ako po k-kulit and I don't want new toys."
It broke me. Kumuyom ang kamay kong isa at tumitig sa mga mata niya.
"Why did you say that? Bakit ayaw mo na ng toys? 'Di naman ikaw makulit, mahal," malambing kong sabi.
"Sabi kasi po ni pangit po na work ikaw daw po para bibili mo 'ko po ng maraming toys na gusto ko po," she answered.
My eyes swelled.
"Ate ko, ayaw na ni Twinkle ng toys! Okay na ako po sa broom-broom po na car! Hindi na ako po hingi ng toys para 'di na ikaw po mag-work."
Nanlabo ang paningin ko na nag-iwas na 'ko para itago ang mukha sa kanya at tinanggal ang shades para hulihin ang luha paalis.
I can't breathe...ang bigat-bigat ng...
"Of course Ate won't leave," mabilis kong sinuot ang shades pabalik at bumaling kay Zion na pinapanuod kaming dalawa. "Right, hun?"
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko.
"I...I have a mission, darling," I tried explaining, "para mawala ang bad guys sa earth."
"Bad guys?" She asked and I nodded.
"Yes, para mawala ang bad guys at 'di na kunin ang Twinkle ko," hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya.
"Tulong ako po, Ate! Para po mabilis po mawala ang bad guys tapos 'di na ikaw work. Para dito ka lang kay Twinkle," aniya.
Mas nadurog ako, hindi alam ang sasabihin kasunod. Nawalan ng boses at sasabihin. I could also feel the heaviness with Zion, kahit 'di siya nagsasalita.
Twinkle continued to explain.
"Kasama natin po si Kuya pangit, 'tsaka si Ate Bullet, tapos si Agent Twinkle Star at si Meow-meow! Ate, may agent name na po si Meow-meow!"
Sa biglang pagkabuhay ng boses niya ay nangiti ako, "really? What is it?"
"Pussy!" She exclaimed proudly.
I choked on my own saliva and was never that quick to whip my head towards Zion's direction. He was blinking in shock, too, while hugging the ice cream tub.
Nakanganga siya at marahas akong inilingan.
"Twila Klein, cover your ears!" The little kid followed and cover her ears with her palm with a wide smile.
"What the fuck, Zion Schauffer?" I hissed.
"I didn't!" Nanlalaki ang mata niya habang iniilingan ako, "I swear! I don't..."
I raised my finger in the air, natameme siya at tinikom ang bibig.
Marahan akong bumaling kay Twinkle at kinuha ang palad sa tainga niya.
"Can I know where did you get that agent name, sweetheart?" I asked.
She pointed Zion.
Mas nahulog ang panga ng huli.
"I didn't!" He fought the kid childishly. "Kailan, Twila Klein? Ma-issue ka, ah! Mapagbintang! Wala nga—"
"Nag-watch kami po ng movie po, Ate," sumbong niya. "Tapos po sabi po ng bida Pussy."
My jaw clenched and stared pointedly at Zion, who in fact, couldn't see my eyes but I am certain he could feel the sharp gaze.
Natuliro siya.
"Tapos...tapos po tanong ako! Sabi ko po, 'Pangit, ano 'yong pussy?'" She mimicked her voice, "tapos po quiet si Kuya sabay sabi na cat daw po..."
Tinikom ko ang bibig at kinagat ang labi.
"Kaya po si meow-meow po si Agent Pussy!" Masayang sabi niya.
Elders stopped when they heard it kaya dali-dali kong tinakpan ang bibig ni Twinkle at awkward na ngumiti sa mga matatanda na napapailing na.
"Mga magulang talaga ngayon kung ano-anong tinuturo sa kabataan! Mga bastos!"
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.
What? I'm trying to be kind here!
I opened my mouth at handa na sanang sumagot nang tumikhim si Zion at inilingan ako. Kinagat ko ang labi at nang makalagpas ang matanda ay inangat ko ang kamay ko at pinalapit si Zion.
"Come 'er," I commanded.
He stayed still and looked around, "k-kukuha akong ice cream pa. Twinkle, ano pang gusto mong flavor—"
"Come. Here." I said flatly that he tensed up and walked a step closer. I nod my head, threatening him more.
He sighed dramatically, "gusto ko pang mabuhay, Tish—"
"Come. Here."
Gulping, he walked closer and I lifted my hand in the air. He closed his eyes, accepting his fate. Pinitik ko ang nguso niya.
He opened his one eye.
"Explain it to her," I said and pointed Twinkle watching us with curious eyes.
"What?"
"The pussy..." I mouthed and he scratched his eyebrow before moving his head and whispered.
"Bastos 'yon, misis," bulong niya. "Ano sasabihin ko? Twinkle, sorry, I lied? Pussy wasn't really a cat? It was Ate Bullet's—"
I punched him in the gut. He choked and laughed.
"Hell, baby," he wheezed. "That's hot," ngumisi siya.
"Isa pang kabastusan, Zion Schauffer," I threatened, "Kita mo 'yang mga kutsilyo d'yan?" Sumulyap ako sa mga kitchen ware.
He followed my gaze, "yeah?" Lumunok siya.
"Lahat 'yan sasaksak ko sa 'yo,"
"Oh..." he whistled, "guess what anong isasaksak ko sa 'yo?"
He grinned. My cheeks heated at nakita niya ang amba kong sapak kaya umayos siya ng tayo at inilahad ang ice cream sa kapatid.
"Kuya lied, princess. Pussy is a term used by adults and not allowed for kids—"
"Fuck!" Twinkle exclaimed in disbelief.
Dalawa na kaming nahulog ang panga ni Zion.
"Twila Klein!" We both called her. She smiled innocently and covered her mouth.
It was my first time going to a grocery with other people. I used to go alone, just buying some eggs or instant foods then I'll leave. I never even think about how it would feel like to be with important people doing groceries with you...
And now, I felt it.
Ganito pala 'yon?
When the two thinks I'm not looking, pa-simple silang naglulusot ng kung ano-anong chichirya at matamis sa cart.
"Pst!" I called.
The two froze. Si Zion ay nakaambang iaabot ang lollipop sa kapatid habang si Twinkle ay nasa aktong kukunin niya.
They both looked at me.
"What's that?" I asked.
"Pop!" Twinkle answered.
Tumaas ang kilay ko, "nakadalawang balot na ng candy sa cart, ah?"
They stiffened more.
"Sinong may gusto niyan?"
Walang umimik sa kanila. Nagpalakihan pa ng mata.
I cocked my head at Zion's direction, ayaw patalo!
"Ayan, si Twinkle kasi!" Zy shook his head, "Sinabi ko na sa kanya, misis, na tama na 'yong dalawa—"
"Pangit ikaw talaga! Pangit!" Twinkle hissed and kicked her feet in the air.
Napailing na lang ako at napangiti.
Marami kaming pagkain na ibinalik at kung ano-ano ang dinudukot ni Twinkle kapag mapapadaan kami sa mga aisle. She was secretly putting it in, basta kulay pink o 'di kaya'y may princess characters nilulusot niya.
Isama pa 'tong Kuya niyang chichirya naman ang kinukuha.
I was glad but at the same time, worried if I should be comfortable and happy of this set-up. I don't know if I deserved to be near Twila again after what happened. And for Zion to still look at me like nothing else matters when his gaze's on me.
He just won't stop staring. Kapag tatalikod siya para kumuha ng bibilhin, wala pang ilang segundo ay nasa akin na naman ang tingin.
It was like he was afraid I'd vanish in thin air if he took his gaze off me.
While Zion was in the counter to pay for the groceries, buhat-buhat ko si Twinkle papunta sa baggage counter para kunin ang bag ko.
Wala namang reklamo ang Kuya niya. Of course, he's sure I won't take this little bundle of joy away. Atsaka nakaposas kaming dalawa, 'di ko matatakasan ang bulilit na 'to.
"Ate, saan tayo po?" She asked while we're walking towards the restroom.
"Restroom, darling," I answered. "I don't like the wig anymore."
"Oh..." she caressed my hair, "fake hair po, Ate?"
"Yes, baby," I smiled. "Ate use it sometimes for disguises."
"Wow..." she blurted, "Twinkle, Ate, p'wede po mag-fake hair?"
"Next time, p'wede," I smiled at her and looked around the restroom. Nang masigurado kong walang tao at camera ay ni-lock ko ang pinto at pinaupo si Twila sa sink.
"Can you remove the cuffs first, darling?" I asked, "Ate had to wear contacts para makita kita ng malinaw."
"Labo eyes mo, Ate?" She asked, "why po?"
"Kasi..." my voice lowered, "something happened before, sweetheart, the bad guys did something bad kaya naapektuhan ang eyes ni Ate. Kapag hindi ako nagsuot ng contacts, medyo malabo ang eyes ko, 'di kita masyado nakikita ng malinaw."
"Like now po?" She asked and touched my sunglasses.
"I can see you because you're close but if you're from the other side, Ate can't see you clearly. Blurred ang baby ko,"
She giggled and nodded, "okay! Tanggal ko po para kita mo si Twinkle na very pretty!"
I laughed, "pretty, indeed. So, pretty."
Kinulikot niya ang handcuff kaya nakawala ang kamay ko.
Inayos ko siya ng upo sa sink para 'di mahulog bago siya pagmasdan.
It reminded me so much of that day when I lost her. Hinalikan ko ang noo niya.
"Are you okay, princess?"
"Yes!" She chirped happily, "happy Twinkle kasi nandito si Ate Bullet! Happy..."
"I'm sorry," I whispered and touched her cheek again, "I promise you, Ate will always protect you."
She nodded her head, "love mo si Twinkle, Ate?"
Did I know how to love? Was this love or...
Kinuha ko ang maliit niyang palad at idinantay sa dibdib ko para ipadama sa kanya ang tibok ng puso ko.
I removed my sunglasses.
Her mouth gaped and stared at me intently and we didn't say any words to each other—we just feel and those old wounds began taping themselves, trying to fix the shattered pieces it became.
"Wow..." she breathed, "like..."
I winked and kissed her knuckles, "can you keep a secret, darling?"
"Secwet?" She chirped, "like Twinkle and Ate secret only?!"
"Yes," ipinatong ko ang palad sa dalawang gilid niya.
"Yes po!" Nakatitig pa rin siya sa 'kin, "a-agent secret po?"
"Yes, agent secret," I answered. "Agents like us call it confidential,"
"Confwident...ial?"
I laughed and pinched her nose, "yes, confidential. So we gotta finish this mission first and Agent Bullet trusts Agent Twinkle Star to keep this a secret, 'kay?"
She nodded again and again, reaching for my cheek.
"Opo! Secret...only," she gasped, "but how po?"
I shrugged, "just a beautiful coincidence, I guess."
"Wow...like me?"
My heart jumped.
"Like yours," matamis akong ngumiti.
Twinkle watched me as I wear my contacts and adjusted my gaze kaya luminaw siyang lalo sa paningin ko. I winked and removed my wig, too, exposing my blonde strands.
Because I wore a wig, medyo kumulot ang buhok ko and my adorable darling Twila can't stop caressing the tips of my curly hair, trying to compare it with hers.
"Ate, I want blonde hair," aniya habang sinusuklay ko ang buhok. "Bagay po Ate, for me?"
"Yes, I'm sure," I said, "but you can't change the color of your hair until you're old enough kasi masisira ang hair mo."
"Sira?"
"Opo, tignan mo ang hair ni Ate. Dati mahilig kasi ako mag-color ng buhok sa gusto ko, sometimes it's black like yours. Sometimes it's pink."
"Pink?!" She squealed.
"Yes,"
"I want pink!" She exclaimed, "pink hair! Like...like Anya!"
Napaisip pa ako kung sino ang tinutukoy niya hanggang sa naalala ang madalas niyang pinapanuod na palabas.
"You can when you're older," I assured her.
Itatapon ko sana ang wig nang kunin iyon ni Twinkle at niyakap.
"I want," she pleaded. "Can I keep?"
Natawa ako, "darling, it's long, 'di kasya sa buhok mo—" but when she showed me a sad face, nanlambot lang ako.
"Alright," I gave up, "you keep it."
When we got out, Zion was resting his back outside the restroom and I saw how his face lit up with the sight of us.
It was familiar. I remembered that day before when I first got into their house. It was like this and he always felt so familiar—a mixture of old and new.
Because he's my Zion, he always are.
Lumapit siya. Napalunok ako nang abutin niya ang batok ko para imasahe bago umangat ang kamay sa buhok ko.
He massaged my scalp and I let out a soft whimper when it felt so good.
"Better?" He asked.
I nodded.
"Good," he massaged my head for a few seconds more before kissing my forehead and went to the paper bags of groceries.
"Come on, let's go home,"
Napigil ko ang hininga sa gulat ng ginawa niyang paghalik sa noo ko. Parang wala lang naman sa kanyang naglakad pauna sa amin at natauhan lang sa hagikhik ni Twinkle.
I glanced at her on my arm.
"Why are you giggling, little girl?"
"Kilig ako," she smiled then leaned in to whisper, "Ate, magkakaroon na po ba ako ng pamangks?"
If this isn't a child, nahagis ko na 'tong batang 'to sa kahihiyan. Mas tumawa siya at humagikhik.
"Pamangks cutie..." she whispered with an excited grin.
I still can't believe I'm going with them when I saw Zion's familiar sports car. While Zion was unloading the groceries, nanatili akong nakatayo doon at nagmamasid.
I missed his car. I remembered that one time when we fuck here. My head got bumped on the roof that the asshole laughed and kissed me again before shifting our position. When he did, siya naman ang nauntog.
I ended up laughing that time.
Napasulyap sa 'kin si Zion habang binubuksan niya ang backseat. It felt like his eyes are telling me things—and don't tell me he's thinking the same thing?
"Tish," he called, "remember when—"
"Shut up,"
He grinned mischievously and shrugged before offering us the backseat.
"Get inside, my girls," he winked.
It made my heart pounce. I can't help but notice his stance and the way he carried himself.
I loved it everytime when I see Zion this way, that instead of a princely man—he's more like a dark knight in shining armor.
Kahit simpleng shirt lang at khaki ang suot niya'y nagsusumigaw na ang presensya. Not to mention his untamed wild hair.
Man bun.
Was he thinking of me, too? Kaya 'di niya pinapaiklian ang buhok? I mentioned it before. He used to have a longer hair but I want it longer, one that he could fix up for a sexy man bun.
And he's sporting it fucking sexily now. Not to mention the scruff forming on his jaw.
Nanghina ang tuhod ko.
"Like what you see, hun?"
I gave him a pointed look and rolled my eyes, he chuckled sexily.
"Mahal talaga kita," bulong niya.
If I wasn't carrying Twinkle, napaluhod na talaga ako.
On our way to the house, Twinkle and I are inseparable. Ang dami-dami niyang kwento tungkol sa mga bagong damit niya na ginawa raw ni Ate Crest niya. She told me she knows how to play another song in the piano and that, when she grew up she wanted to go to school and meet classmates.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Zy sa salamin. He just smiled.
My legs can't find its strength to get out of the car when we reached his house. Nangangatog ako. Natatakot at kinakabahan.
I never imagine I could step here again. Sa panaginip siguro pero sa totoong buhay? Napakaimposible.
I scratched my cheek when Twinkle got out first. Sumunod ako at binuhat siya bago tumitig sa bahay.
This house where I felt what home was.
Nasa panaginip ba ako? Kung sakali, ayaw ko na magising. Dito lang ako para 'di na mag-isa. Para 'di na madilim...
Inangat ko ang kamay para kamutin ang pisngi pero may humuli sa palad ko.
When I tilted my head, I felt a gentle kiss on my cheek.
"Don't," bulong ni Zion at hinaplos ang daliri ko. "Just relax, hmm? Breathe in..."
I closed my eyes and breathed in.
"Breathe out," I followed his suit and felt my heart calming down.
When I opened my eyes again, pairs of amber and blue filled my vision.
Parang panaginip pa rin...
I felt a wet kiss on my other cheek, binalingan ko si Twinkle. She smiled widely.
"I love you po, Ate ko," she said. "H'wag na ikaw pow sad, ah?"
"Yeah..." I nodded and smiled, "I won't," I kissed her cheek.
We waited for Zy to get the groceries and we followed him inside the house, ibinaba ko si Twila at masayang tinanggal niya ang posas ko bago ngumisi kay Zion.
"Pangit! Mission accompliwsh!" She exclaimed.
Kumunot ang noo ko nang nanlaki ang mata ni Zy at kumindat sa kapatid. He put his finger on his lips.
"What's happening?" I asked.
"Wala naman, misis—"
"May mission kami po ni Kuya, Ate! May surprise daw po pero dapat huli kami ng target! Sabi niya po kanina kapag binaba niya ako sa floor sa gwocery, takbo daw ako sa lumpia tapos po kunwari daw po sad ako! Kaya po nag-upo ako sa floor tapos sabi ko 'huhuhu'"
She faked crying.
"Twinkle!" Zion blurted loudly and stiffened when I eyed him seriously.
"Did you just..."
"I didn't," he shook his head.
"Did you just use your sister as bait, Zion Schauffer?"
Napaatras siya, "I didn't—" and he was already sprinting away to escape.
This shit head! Naisahan ako!
I eyed Twinkle cautiously crawling away from me. When she saw me looking, she screamed and ran, too.
"Pangit! H'wag mo 'ko iwan!" She squealed.
Nasapo ko ang mukha.
The house helps are shocked seeing me but greeted me kindly, they even informed me pinapasabi raw ni Zy na magpalit at mag-i-swimming daw.
I don't have any clothes but...umakyat ako sa kwarto at nakagat ang labi nang makitang lahat ng gamit ko ay narito pa rin.
It was untouched. My clothes, my cosmetics, everything. It was as if I still live here. He didn't even take it out.
Sa closet niya at hati pa rin ang pwesto ng iilang damit ko at ang kanya. While some remained in the guest room.
I swallowed and open the cabinet, chuckling when I saw my boyfriend.
"Hi there, Franklin," I breathed, "I didn't know I'll get to see you again, huh?"
Isinara ko ang cabinet bago nagpalit ng swimsuit at napatitig sa sarili sa salamin. It's a red two-piece swimsuit and my hair's curly and blonde from the wig I wore earlier.
My brown eyes stared at me in the reflection. Even it was a façade.
My face's a lot more different than the old one.
My features had changed, my nose, the shape of my lips and the beauty mark on my cheek. Ang natitirang ala-ala na lang na naroon ay ang pamumula roon dahil sa pagkamot ko.
Aside from my eyes, nothing left that would deem me recognizable from the older me. I was completely changed—this version's more fucked than it ever was before.
Ever since I found out this wasn't how I exactly look before, I don't like my face much. I felt like it was a mask. I felt like this wasn't me and there are times I just wanted to rip out my skin.
They said I was involved in an incident prior to a mission but it wasn't, they turned me into this.
Some might say I should be thankful they still change my face and still be pretty but how could I when it's all in the inside? How could I when I knew they had to touch my face with their dirty hands and experimented me after they abused me? After they violated me? After they...shattered me?
Hindi ko matanggap na ang mukhang 'to ang ginamit nila para mas dungisan pa ang pagkatao ko.
This face's a mask they used to hurt the people I care about.
Zion...Twinkle. My family and friends.
And I don't feel pretty. I feel dirty. I feel used. I feel damaged.
Nagtungo ako sa ibaba at binati ng mga house helps. Some even looked amazed with my back tattoos swirling down my hips but didn't ask any further.
The two are already in the pool when I got there.
Twinkle's wearing a one-piece blue polkadots swimsuit and shades, may arm floaties pa sa magkabilang braso habang si Zion ay inaalalayan siya para matutong lumangoy.
Zion on the other hand was fucking edible I could almost taste him. I sighed.
His hair's drenched, the wavy wild strands sticking on his nape. His back muscles made me drool, then the black ink of his tattoos swirling on his nape and back to a part of his arm made it hotter.
Pasimple kong hinawakan ang gilid ng labi para i-check kung mayro'n ba bago sinundan ng hawak sa bikini at baka biglang mahubad pagkakita sa kanya.
Bastos, Bullet!
I glanced at the white chairs aligned near the pool and saw towels and their slippers. Nakita ko pa ang panali sa buhok ng dalawa. Kinuha ko ang kay Zion at nilusot sa pulsuhan ko.
I felt a soft fur on my feet and when I saw the kitten, napatawa ako at mabilis na sinakop siya sa palad ko.
"Hi, meow-meow! How are you, darling?"
He purred while watching me, he even tried reaching me kaya dinala ko siya sa braso ko at paulit-ulit na hinalikan.
"I missed you, too," I whispered. "Pinapakain ka ba palagi, meow?"
He purred. I hugged him more before lowering him down the ground, watching him run towards the pool and sat on the side to maybe watch the two swimming.
When I appeared and they saw me, muntik nang malunod si Twinkle nang mabitawan ni Zy.
"Zion, ang bata!" I hissed loudly that he cursed and carried Twinkle back again.
"Shit, sorry, princess!"
Twinkle made a face, "'di naman ikaw marunong pala mag-swim, mas magaling ako pa sa 'yo!" She paddled her tiny arms and feet with Zion's help until they reach me.
I paused and became conscious at Zion's intense gaze. Napahawak ako sa tiyan at gusto na lang umatras hanggang sa inilalahad niya ang kamay sa 'kin.
"Come on, hun," he smiled.
Lumunok ako.
"You're sexy," aniya, basang-basa pa ang buhok. "It's okay, come on."
Hesitantly, I walked closer to them. Marahang binitawan ni Zy si Twinkle na nagpalutang-lutang at naka-shades pa habang siya naman ay inilalahad ang kamay sa 'kin.
"Help me up, Tish," I reached up to him and help him up the pool.
Nagkabanggaan ang dibdib namin pag-akyat niya. Inangat ko ang mukha at nagkatinginan kaming dalawa.
He towered me and caged me with that gaze, his eyes bluer than the water. Umangat ang kamay niya at hinaplos ang pisngi ko bago marahang hinuli ang tikwas ng buhok at inilagay sa likod ng tainga ko.
My chest heaved as I took a step back when he encircled his hand on my waist and pulled me. I was confused at first pero nang niyakap niya ako at nagpatihulog sa tubig patalikod kasama ako ay napatili na nang malakas.
They splashed water at me. I couldn't count how many times I screamed when I almost drowned because my husband's an idiot! Lumangoy ba laman sa ilalim at biglang umahon para yakapin ako sa likuran!
Of course I was shocked and...pleased. Which was fucking wrong, right?
Para gumanti, habang nakikipaglaro siya kay Twinkle at nagtuturo paano raw lumangoy ang aso, lumubog ako. I swam closer to them without any noises and pulled Zion's feet.
He screamed so loud the house helps got out to ask if we're fine. Tawang-tawa kami ni Twinkle na hawak ko na ngayon at nasalo. I took a step back while carrying her while her brother's glaring at us.
"Sisigaw si pangit!" Kanta ng bulilit sabay giling niya, "duwag! Duwag! Akala niya mumu!"
"Nakakatawa 'yon, Twila?" He asked. Mas tumawa lang ang maliit, walang takot sa katawan.
I smirked at him, "ohh...Kuya's a coward, baby?"
"Yes!" She chirped. "Coward si Kuya, sisigaw sa mumu!" She sang.
But our smiles faded when Zion cocked his head, his jaw clenching.
"What are you doing?"
He smirked, "swim..." nang lumubog siya ay napasigaw na kami at napatakbo na ako sa tubig habang buhat si Twinkle na kapit na kapit ang hita sa baywang at halos mahila na ang buhok ko.
We were almost safe but he was way faster. Nahablot niya kaming dalawa bago pa nakaakyat paalis.
I was happy.
Zion only left to cook something for dinner kaya kami ni Twinkle ang naiwan sa pool at nagpapalutang-lutang. She already learned how to float for longer than a minute and she started to know how to paddle around the pool.
"Ate, pwetty ng stars," turo niya sa langit kung saan kitang-kita ang kislap ng mga bituin.
"Yes," I answered, "they're pretty like you. Did you know your name was from the stars? Twila, it means light in dark places."
"Wow..." she blurted, "like the stars po up there?" Turo niya sa langit.
"Opo, mahal. 'Di ba ang night sky madilim? Nagliliwanag lang sila kapag may stars," I explained. "And you, darling, are the light in your family's lives—in mine."
Kayo ng Kuya mo.
I closed my eyes and let the cold water from the pool take the heaviness away. Her tiny hands reached for mine.
"Ate, paano mo po nalaman ang meaning?"
I smiled, "I just knew, darling." Nilingon ko siya, "ahon na tayo, Twila? Nilalamig na ikaw?"
She nodded and I carried her up the pool.
Lumabas si Zion na nakaboard shorts lang at walang pang-itaas. When she saw his sister hopping, kumuha siya ng t'walya para balutin ang huli na gumigiling pa sa sounds na pinatugtog ng kuya sa speaker.
She was so active. Tulog ito mamaya.
"Ako na, pangit! I'm big girl!" Inagaw niya ang t'walya mula sa kuya at pinunasan ang sarili.
Umahon na ako at wala pa sa gitna ay may bumalot na ring t'walya sa balikat. I bit back a smile when Zion walked in front of me, sealing the towel in front of my chest.
Sinulyapan ko si Twinkle na kinakausap ang pusa at sumasayaw doon. I noticed her tummy. I smiled.
"What did you made her eat? Look at her tummy,"
He laughed, "kaka-lumpia niya 'yan."
When Twinkle ran inside to change clothes with her nanny's help, naiwan kaming dalawa sa labas. He took another towel to dry my hair with it.
My heart rebelled inside my chest that I couldn't look up at him.
I wanted to go to stop my heart from racing. I scratched my cheek.
Hinuli niya ang palad ko, marahang ibinaba bago iangat ang chin ko hanggang sa magkatitigan na kaming dalawa.
His eyes are soft and calm and it was looking at me like he was only truly seeing me for the first time.
Those blue orbs holds a lot of emotions I couldn't name but I could feel. He touched my cheek with his finger, brushing some invisible dirt in it again and again until it wasn't itchy anymore.
Muli kaming nagkatitigan.
"Beautiful," he breathed.
I smiled bitterly, "you should get your eyes checked."
"Oh, I know beauty when I saw one, honey." He cocked his head. "And I can assure you, I'm looking at someone ethereal."
My breath caught in my lungs as I tried taking a step back but he caught my waist again and firmed me.
"You are beautiful, Theia," he breathed.
My palm trembled. He was curious and careful not to say more and trigger something.
"You...remember?" I asked.
"Everything," he whispered, his voice filled with patience and understanding. "You?"
Marahan akong umiling, "just some parts. And I'm not beautiful, Zy. Maybe Theia was but—"
"You're beautiful, Tish," he whispered. "Theia or my Tish, you're fucking beautiful. I hope you know that."
Hindi na ako umimik at napatungo lang. Si Zion naman ay patuloy lang sa pagpunas ng buhok ko at pasimpleng paghalik sa buhok ko.
"Stay?" He whispered after a while and I just bit my lip and smiled at Twinkle bouncing up and down with her new clothes.
"Kain na tayo po! Sarap ang foods! Barbeque and lumpia!" She chirped and I was thankful when she pulled me inside, away from her brother before I could even hurt him with my answer.
She was very active and alive at tama nga ako na babagsak 'to sa pagod pagkatapos. While I was taking a bath, she fell asleep while they're watching a movie.
Zion carried her up to her princess bed and when I got out of the bathroom to check on her, she was sleeping soundly.
Wala roon si Zion. When I asked the house help, nasa office Niya daw dito sa bahay at may kausap sa trabaho kaya pinagsawa ko ang ilang minuto habang hinahaplos ang buhok ni Twila Klein.
"Take care, Twinkle," I whispered and touched her cheek, "I'm so sorry Ate had to go again."
She moved slightly but kept on sleeping.
"I promise, Ate would protect you and Kuya Zy as long as I'm breathing. No one's gonna hurt you, my little star,"
My eyes stung that I pressed my eyes closed to stop tears from falling.
"I'm happy to spend this day with you and Kuya, I will forever keep this in my h-heart," hinawakan ko ang dibdib at tumungo para halikan ang kanyang noo.
She was hugging her worn out favorite toy. A bunny one na isa na lang ang tainga.
I touched the toy softly and smiled a little when my head stung. Napaupo ako sa lapag at nasapo ang ulo.
I heard voice inside my head, a wail, a scream, cries and saw myself running.
"Help!" I screamed loudly and fell on the ground.
I opened my eyes and found out I was lying on the floor.
Did I black out?
Inikot ko ang tingin sa kwarto, kay Twinkle na tulog na tulog at sa pusa na pinapanuod lang ako habang nakaupo sa paahan ng kama.
"Fuck," I cursed and scratched my cheek. "I have to see my doctors again."
Dumukwang ako para halikan si Twinkle, hinaplos ang pusa bago inisang tingin ang lumang laruan at lumabas sa kwarto.
The hallway was quiet and dim. Wala pa rin si Zion kaya pumasok ako sa kwarto at kinuha ang maleta. I took some of my clothes and cosmetics, my weapons and my toys.
Ah, I miss Franklin.
Nasa akto akong ilulusot na si Franklin sa maleta nang bumukas ang kwarto at lumitaw doon si Zy. My breath hitched. Hinagis ko paloob sa bag ang laruan at dali-daling ni-lock.
"Katatapos mo lang?" I asked lightly but his eyes remained on my baggage.
Even in the darkness, I could see the pain and hurt in it. Ibinaba ko ang maleta mula sa kama at umayos ng tayo.
"Zy?"
"Hmm?" Inangat niya ang tingin at ngumiti sa 'kin pero pakiramdam ko'y kulang iyon. May wala.
I repeated my question. He nodded and showed me something on the tray.
"I cooked you something," aniya bago naglakad papunta sa terrace kaya sumunod ako.
It was the sandwich. My favorite.
"Oh..."
"I'm sure that taste good," aniya. "Not that good kagaya no'ng timpla mo pero p'wede na?"
Smiling, I took a bite, letting the sweetness spread on my mouth. I sighed heavenly.
"Great," I showed him a thumbs up, "pero mas magaling pa rin ako."
Chuckling, he nodded. Napahawak siya sa buhok na bagsak bago inangat ang braso para itali ang buhok. I watched him do that, ogling at his massive arms and the tattoo fully showing on his one arm.
"You stole my ponytail again," he noticed.
Tinago ko ang pulsuhan sa likod at kumagat ng sandwich. Napailing siya at ngumiti.
"Ganda ng langit 'no?"
Nang humarap siya sa barricade at tumitig sa langit ay ginaya ko siya.
"Beautiful," I agreed. "Twinkle and I talk about the stars, you know? I told her her name means light in dark places."
"She is," he smiled. "She lived up her name, when the family's in darkness because of Sibyl's injury, she came and made us feel alive again."
"Who chose her name?" I asked, "noong nanganak na ang Mom mo or pinag-isipan n'yo lang kaagad?"
Natahimik siya. I saw a bit change of his reaction as he brushed his hair and answered.
"I'm not sure if it's dad or mom," aniya.
Comfortable silence filled us. I closed my eyes, dinarama ang malamig na hangin sa lalim ng gabi.
"Stay, Tish," binasag niya ang katahimikan.
Ibinaba ko ang tingin sa mga kamay. Naramdaman ko ang tingin niya sa 'kin.
"I can help you take out your things," aniya. "Or...you don't have to worry, I can do it alone. You can rest and tomorrow, before you wake up, ayos na ang gamit—"
"Stop torturing yourself, Zy," I whispered. "We both know this would lead to nothing. We'll only end up hurting each other."
"I love you," He confessed. I've never heard something so painful.
Hindi ako makatingin sa kanya. Hiyang-hiya na pinagbibigyan pa niya ako ng pagmamahal na 'di naman dapat para sa 'kin.
"Thank you, Zy, but I am not worth that love...I..." kinagat ko ang labi at umiling.
"Tish,"
"I am sure you will meet more girls suited for you. Someone who wasn't fucked in here." I pointed my head. "Someone who wasn't cold, who wasn't an empty shell...someone who knows how to love."
His breath labored.
"This is my fault," he closed his eyes and brushed his hair frustratedly again and when I looked at him, his eyes are bloodshot.
"You're not an empty shell, Tish. You're what do you call it? Like..." he tried looking for words. "An opaque glass."
Mas nagtaka ako. Bakit ako bigla naging glass?
I was about to comment when he spoke again and explained.
"You are full of love that you keep on giving and never asked for something in return. You kept on giving and because no one could see you inside—hindi nila alam na nauubos ka na. Na wala ka nang tinitira sa sarili mo. You don't even know how empty you became because you didn't mind."
That didn't stop my tears anymore. I squeezed my eyes shut and moved my head away.
"You don't show people because you grew up alone and independent. You think it will make you weak. No one had shown you what love is and I should've known better and what, I misjudged you. I've hurt you. I should've opened my mind na hindi lahat ng tao pare-pareho magpakita kung paano magmahal. You...you love so rarely yet too much. Ako itong gago at bobo."
"Zion..." I gasped harshly and eyed him.
"You know how to love, Tish," he whispered. "You love too much I don't think people like me deserve it. You gave too much, sacrifice too much because you love. Your heart wasn't broken, hun. It was so full and big, it was just the people around you—people who took advantage of you—who makes you believe they shattered it."
Patuloy nang nahuhulog ang luha ko, lalo na nang lumapit siya at sinapo ang pisngi ko.
"Sa ating dalawa, it was me who doesn't worth that too much love when I couldn't even protect it. It should've been me. I promised to protect you and what? I fucking forgot about you."
I shook my head and sobbed.
"It wasn't your fault,"
"Yes, it was. When they're hurting you, where was I?" I realized I haven't seen every kind of hurt yet until I heard his tone.
How did he know? I never told anyone!
"Where was I, Tish? Ayon, nagpapakasaya sa bar kasama ang mga pinsan! Nakikipag-inuman habang yong mahal ko sinasaktan nila..."
Umiling ako, "stop,"
"When my wife was watching me from afar, protecting me? Sacrificing herself for me. What am I doing? In the military, in DEA. I help people but I couldn't even rescue my wife! Anong klase 'yon? 'Yong ibang tao n-natutulungan ko, b-bakit 'yong mahal ko hindi?"
I covered my mouth and looked down.
"Bakit?" He whispered painfully, "why do I always fail protecting the people I love? Why am I so fucking useless?"
"Don't say that!" I blurted but he shook his head and placed his forehead against mine.
"I failed you a lot of times, Tish," his voice broke. "Hindi kita naprotektahan. L-let me...let me protect you this time, please."
Paulit-ulit akong umiling, gulong-gulo.
"It wasn't your fault, Zy," I whispered. "H-hindi ako galit, pinrotektahan kita d-dahil gusto ko...dahil..."
Nawala ang boses ko nang dumausdos siya at ngayon ay nakaluhod na sa harapan ko.
"Zion!"
"S-sorry..." he cried, "s-sorry...kasalanan ko. 'Di kita naprotektahan. I f-failed, honey, I failed. I'm s-sorry..."
"T-tumayo ka d'yan!"
But he kept on shaking his head, catching my palms, squeezing it while pressing his forehead on my stomach.
"It was my fault..." he repeated, "I hurt you, I keep on hurting you. P-please, tell me, everything! I'll do e-everything, h'wag mo 'kong iwan...h'wag mo k-kaming iwan."
I knelt and cupped his cheek, removing the tears on his cheek with my thumb.
"M-maybe you we were caged in the idea of u-us, Zy," I said. "You shouldn't blame yourself to what happened to me b-because it wasn't your fault."
"No, you're wrong,"
"W-what we had before was beautiful, Zy," hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya. "But we are completely different people n-now. I wasn't the Theia you loved before. I am Bullet—the fucked version of your old love. H-hindi na ako 'yon."
"If it wasn't you, can you explain why I fell in love again? Why I kept on falling for you! Kahit 'di k-kita kilala, Tish! Kilala ka nito!" He pointed his chest. "K-kilala kita...dito."
"I love you..." ginagap niya ang kamay ko.
Umiling ako, "you were only in love with idea of us, honey."
But he kept on shaking his head, "h-how can you say that? Puso mo ba 'to?"
Tumitig ako sa kanya at kinagat ang labi, "I'm c-crying here! Are you making me laugh?"
"No..." umiling siya at mas tumungo. "Mapagdesisyon ka k-kasi, 'di mo naman puso 'to."
I smacked his back, he sniffed and pulled me closer and hugged me tight.
"Please, T-Tish," he whispered. "I fucked up, let me fix it. L-let me save it, l-let me save you this time."
"I don't need it..."
"But I need you," he whispered desperately. "I need you so bad."
I closed my eyes tightly, "I'll only shatter you."
"Then shatter me," he whispered. "I don't care, my heart's always been yours, anyway."
Tumungo ako at nangatog habang yakap-yakap siya.
"W-why don't you sign the annulment? I broke the agreement,"
"Can't," umiling siya. "Too in love, I'll only hurt myself more if I let you go."
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko, naghahanap ng butas.
"I can't always depend on you, you have a life and..."
"You are my life, Bevurleigh. Nandito naman ako, bakit hahayaan kitang mag-isa?" Bulong niya at mas humigpit ang yakap sa akin.
I couldn't answer, I just feel so weak. So spent. So tired.
"Enough with the sacrifices, honey. Ako naman," he soothed.
He fell asleep in the bed first that night, he won't let go of my hand, refusing to let me go. He won't stop crying, breaking my heart further.
I rarely see men cry and vulnerable that seeing my husband this way, baring his soul and his heart to me was too much to bear.
I didn't have the heart to leave. I never promised I will stay but there is some selfish feeling inside telling me to spoil myself more.
I could've stayed but didn't when my friends called, I needed to come.
Kaya umalis ako, alas-dos ng madaling araw at nagpunta sa tinutuluyan ni Clau. When I got inside, I realized it was still dark.
Alarmed, I pulled the gun out of my jeans and lifted it while checking left and right. Then suddenly, I remembered they are having a quick getaway.
But they called...so...
"You're here,"
Mabilis na tinutok ko ang baril kung saan nanggaling ang boses.
"Who are you?!" I exclaimed harshly and then a face appeared from the dark.
"Hello, Scythe. Or should I call you Duchess?" Zeijan Sandejas, the Archer, smirked.
Napaayos ako ng tayo, "sir?"
Ngumuso siya at inayos ang suit na suot, "Tito na lang, ikaw naman parang others."
I blinked then lowered my gun, "sorry po, uh, can I ask why are you here?"
He smiled and sat on the couch, offering me the one in front of him.
"Upo ka muna, 'nak,"
'Nak...
He removed the cuffs of his suit before pulling it up his elbows. Umayos ako ng upo at tahimik siyang pinanuod, naalala sa kanya ang anak na kamukhang-kamukha.
My heart's been pounding, curious about what he's gonna say. Inilapag ko ang baril sa tabi at pinanuod lang siya.
"Sorry for disturbing you late at night, I know you're probably resting with my son,"
"Po?" I blinked. "Sorry, Sir, u-uh...I know I shouldn't have shown my face anymore. Hindi lang po ako nakaalis kaagad at kanina po nakita ako ni Twinkle. I was following them in the market—not that I'm stalking them, Sir!"
Umiling ako at pinanuod ang reaksyon niya, expected ang galit pero sa halip ay nakangiti lang siya.
"The princess caught you, hmm?" He asked lightly.
I nodded.
"Opo, pasensya na, Sir—"
"Tito," he corrected, "or Dad, kung saan ka mas komportable. H'wag na ang Sir, nakakatanda, alam mo namang eighteen pa lang ako..."
Muntik na akong mabulunan ng laway at kinagat ang labi para pigilan ang tawa. He gave me a face.
"Grabe ka na, Bullet, ah? Pati ba naman ikaw ayaw maniwala?"
I laughed, "sorry, Sir...I mean...you still looked young! And handsome! Nagulat lang ako na eighteen, akala ko kasi sixteen."
He laughed loudly and I was thrilled. He offered me his hand, I shyly gave him a high-five.
"Funny ka pala," he smiled again, "Wala talagang tapon sa mga taste ng mga anak ko. Si Wave, may itsura naman! Si Solomon—h'wag na nating pag-usapan ang bantay-salakay na 'yon—at ikaw! Perfect na perfect na daughter-in-law!"
I bit my lip, "you knew?"
"Na kasal kayo?" He asked. I nodded. "Well, I was too late to know! Nakakasama nga ng loob kasi 'di ako invited no'ng kasal ni pretty ghourl, tapos kay gwapo. Akala mo naman uubusan ng handa—anyway."
Bumuntonghininga siya.
"Madaldal na ba masyado, 'nak?"
I smiled and shook my head, "okay lang po, Tito. Sanay na sanay na 'ko sa bibig no'ng anak n'yo."
He laughed heartily, "I hope he's not giving you a hard time?"
Umiling ako.
"And Twinkle...?" He gave me a knowing look.
"She's a great kid," I commend. "She's smart and lively, you raised her to be a very good kid. I'm sure, as parents, she made you very proud."
"Are you?" He asked.
"Po?"
He observed me but didn't answer right away, as if he's looking for answers in my reaction.
"Do you remember your life as the Duchess?"
"How..."
"I know everything, Bullet," he smiled. "Took me a while but...do you remember?"
"Yes," I nodded. "I mean, not everything yet but I'm on my way. Hopefully, I would."
"Hmm..." he nodded, "I see, I don't think it's the right time yet."
"For?" My forehead creased.
"For a lot of things, sweetheart," he smiled. "But can I ask you one thing?"
"Yes po,"
"You and Zion had a relationship before, correct?" He asked. I nodded.
He nodded again then folded his fingers, "and you remember things until what? You don't have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable."
"I remembered the incident with your family and Wyatt, I called it and let Zy know. I remembered when Zy lost his memories and then I watched him from afar. I also remembered glimpses when I told you about Wyatt's HQ but that's it. Some are still a blur."
His eyes are soft and warm. He gives this fatherly presence, it was like he's telling you you'll be protected. That no harm will go your way—like how his son makes me feel.
Safe. Welcome. Belongingness.
"Thank you, Duchess," he said. "Thank you for helping us, for protecting my family even if it caused your safety."
"Wala lang po iyon," I smiled, "that's what family does, right? Protect the people important to them?"
"You didn't even know us," aniya, "and you deciding we are worthy of your sacrifice is beyond me."
"I knew your family by the stories of your son, you raised him right. I know how loved he was just by stories. Alam kong mahal niya kayo at poprotektahan ko kung ano mang nagpapasaya sa kanya."
His eyes watered and I didn't know what to do when he looked away and dried something on his cheek.
"Tito..."
"I'm fine, anak," he laughed lowly, "I just feel bad I couldn't protect you, before. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you. I'm sorry I couldn't save you. When I came back, you were already gone. Everything happened so fast and I looked for you for years until I saw you with my son again."
"Po? You know me from the start?"
"I didn't. Not right away. I just feel like you're familiar. I couldn't forget your eyes..."
Napahawak ako sa talukap.
"I know," he smiled a little. "I just saw you one time but I have never forget your eyes."
I pinched my fingers.
"I researched until I got a hold of a drive from one of Wyatt's personal home when I came one night and visited him. Unfortunately, I only saw his damn guards. That's how I found out my assumptions are real."
"Drive?"
"Yes, the drive Zion got. He said you left it."
Umawang ang labi ko, "Sir, I'm sorry. I took it."
"It's alright," he smiled. "I don't think you have to see it, too. It was about what they did to your face."
I nodded, "ayon lang po? How 'bout my f-family? Wyatt said I had a family and I was hoping I could find something..."
"You have no family in Wyatt's mercy, Bullet," kalmado niyang sabi at nahulog na ang balikat ko. "We are still looking further to clear your connections with the Italians and why are they using you as their weapon."
"You mean to say, wala na po akong pamilya?"
"You have a brother,"
My mouth gaped.
"Really?"
"Yes, no one else knew of his connection with you. He doesn't either and that's for now, while we're still investigating. For your protection and his, too," he smiled, "I promise you will meet him soon."
Hope rose inside me.
"Is he doing o-okay?"
"Hmm...he's in the military, my son's senior officer."
Umawang ang labi ko, "does he know?"
"Zion?" Umiling siya, "nah, hayaan mo siya."
I chuckled and when he showed me a photo, my heart thundered inside my chest. He looked good, healthy and happy.
"He's ten years older than you, you two got separated when you're both kids. He had escaped Wyatt when he was a kid and became a beggar. Luckily, we rescued him with the other kids. He's been with Sandejas foundation for a long time now," aniya.
My eyes swelled, "thank you po. T-thank you! Thank you..."
"You don't have to. Ako nga dapat ang nagpapasalamat sa 'yo. I owe you a lot, Bullet. Tell me everything you needed and I'll help you in any ways I could."
"Thank you, Tito. Thank you." Niyakap ko sa dibdib ang litrato ng kapatid.
"And I promise you will meet him soon. I just found out your connection recently kaya hindi ko rin nasabi kaagad. We just have to settle more things and to know what does Wyatt want with you," he sighed. "If you see my son starting a war with the Italians, just let him. He won't stop until he served you justice."
I nodded.
"Can I do anything to help, Tito? Please, let me help. I just can't sit here and do nothing."
"Actually, that's what I exactly came here for. Say my thanks to your friends for letting me here, anyway." He folded his arms, "I'd like to offer you a position in DEA."
Namilog ang mata ko.
"Position?"
"Yes, sweetheart. I have seen your capability and your skills. You weren't just great in combat, you are also skilled here," tinuro niya ang sentido. "Your tactics and planning skills are outstanding. I want you in my team."
"Your team? L-like Reaper? Archer and Viper?" Napanganga ako.
"Yes. Like that," he smirked, "so, are you in?"
"Yes!" Tumango ako at nabuhayan, "yes po, I swear. I swear I'll do my best!"
He grinned widely and offered me his palm at tumatalon pa ang puso ko habang nakikipag-kamay sa kanya.
I followed him when he said his goodbyes but before I could close the door, humarap siya sa 'kin.
"Thank you again, Bullet,"
"No worries po,"
Ngumiti siya at inabot ang ulo ko para marahang guluhin ang buhok, "come to the mansion if you want, anak. My wife wanted to come here with me but now's not the time. You're always welcome to the family."
I just stared at him in shock.
"Before I go," aniya at humugot ng hininga. "You still couldn't remember but I just want you to know that we love and took very good care to your last request. I still keep it a secret, like you instructed. I hope you are proud."
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