Kabanata 24
Kabanata 24
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
ZION
"Nalalanta na 'yang bulaklak mo," ani Chiel na naupo sa tabi ko at pinanuod akong akala mo'y palabas sa T.V.
Hindi ako sumagot at ngumuso lang, sinusuklay ang buhok ng daliri bago muling iangat para itali.
"Malapit na kayong maging magkaugali ni Macky," aniya. "'Di na rin nagsasalita ang isang 'yon."
"Is he alright?"
"Hmm," he nodded. "Grumpy again but understandable, sino bang matutuwang makita ang asawa mong may ibang lalaki tapos maaaksidente ka?"
My jaw clenched, "have you seen her already?"
"Who? Storm?"
Tumango ako at umiling siya, "you know that woman. Si Marcus naman palagi ang pinapaalaga sa mga bata. Don't expect her to just show up here and suddenly became concerned. I bet she doesn't care Marcus was blind."
That woman.
Hinilot ko ang sentido at sumandal muli sa bench dala-dala ang bulaklak na para sana sa asawa. I was messaging her and sent back the annulment papers in the return address with the flowers.
Instead of signing, I scribbled a big "NO. LOVE YOU, HUN <3" in the signature part.
An hour later, I received a response. My flowers with a new annulment papers copy with the note.
"SIGN IT, SANDEJAS, OR I'LL VISIT YOU IN YOUR SLEEP."
I smirked and sent up a reply back to the return address.
"Sure, baby. Naked or nah?"
Nang makabalik sa akin ang annulment papers, may naka-drawing na na middle finger. I grimaced.
She didn't even take the flowers! I hand-picked it in Mom's garden! Nahabol pa ako ng walis ni Mommy kanina at paborito niya daw ang mga bulaklak na pinag-interesan ko.
Buti na lang nang malamang para kay Bullet ay kumalma, she even said her apologies about what she said to her and helped me pick the most beautiful ones. Tita Zidney also came over with a bunch of fresh roses from her garden and help us finish the arrangement.
'Di man lang tinanggap ng asawa ko.
It's not like I am mad. I deserved it. The treatment and the way she ignores me.
Tinakasan na naman niya ako at pagkagising ay wala na siya doon sa tabi ko. My family even saw me panicking the next day, running down the stairs to ask everyone if they've seen my wife. Huli ko na nang malamang wala na siya.
Twila cried.
Mas nasaktan lang ako.
It wasn't my wife's fault. It was mine.
I still couldn't find her exact whereabouts. I tracked her but she was too good. She was like a ghost, explaining why we've been crossing paths for a lot of times before and I couldn't even catch her.
Scythe.
I tried setting a bait and hiding in the return address she'd given for the documents and a courier came pero nang sumunod ako, 'di ko alam kung anong nangyari pero biglang nawala. As if he knows I was following.
Was it the fucking Jayden? May gusto ba 'yon sa misis ko?!
Now, I'm more pissed but I couldn't really fault my wife for hiding. Kung ayaw niya na akong makita, naiintindihan ko. Kung galit siya, tatanggapin ko.
If she asked me to die, I'd happily be on my knees and accept the bullets from her own gun. My life has always been hers-if she decided to take it away, it'll be a pleasure.
I will accept everything, anything just to ask for forgiveness. Just so she would come home to us. Just so I could hug her again and make up to all the fucked decisions I have made.
For all of my mistakes.
I told her things I shouldn't have. Words that shouldn't have been said.
Tama nga ang sinasabi ni Chiel. Baka magkaugali na talaga kami ni Macky-beybe.
We used to talk about this all the time. Me and my cousins. Kapag magkasama kaming apat ay pinipilit namin si Marcus na magsalita at sobrang tahimik niya.
He rarely comments, that's mostly kapag tinamaan na siya ng alak at dumadaldal na.
He said he just doesn't want to run his mouth tactlessly. He said he knew he had the capability to say things harshly and without thinking twice. He said he was prone to say things he'd regret in the end so as much as possible, being quiet is the answer.
I agree.
Because I did that, too.
With my wife.
What an idiot.
She loved me and yet I didn't believe her. I made her believe she didn't know how to love and I know I broke a part of her.
I just don't know what to do. How to make up to the things and words I said. To try and fix things.
I messed up so bad and to think I forgot about her for years, it's something I couldn't explain. Something I'm so desperate to fix. Something I am so desperate to wish I could turn back time and change everything.
My wife was tortured. I wasn't there for her.
I watched everything. I saw everything that when I found out the locations of the old hag's headquarters, I went on a rampage and killed everyone breathing on my sight.
I don't care if they aren't directly involved with the torture. I don't fucking care if they have a family.
They hurt my wife, my family and no one messes with mine without consequences.
No one touches my family and gets away with it.
I tortured and killed brutally for days. I am not like this. I like to kill quietly and without causing much commotion but the monster inside me got out when they decided to take my sister, frame my wife into being an accomplice and torture Tish for years and years.
They made my wife a killing machine. Changed her face after they are done beating her up. Brainwash her after knowing she had lost her memories and tried making her heartless.
But she wasn't. She has a heart so big and yet I failed recognizing it.
Ang swerte-swerte ko nga. The only woman I loved in this lifetime is the same one I fell in love with years after. Even without the memories. Even with the different face. In a the different identity.
It was her, all over again.
You're a fool, Zy. You kept on failing in protecting the people you love.
Your family. Your sisters and even your wife.
We promised in front of the sacred altar that we'll be together for better or for worst but I was only there for the better. For worst...where was I?
Having fun and drinking in clubs with my cousins? While she was protecting me from the distance and I didn't even recognize her.
I acted like she wasn't existing. This fucking head don't know anything but make dumb jokes and couldn't even remember and protect my wife.
That is something I will never forget and forgive myself. Ever.
I bowed to protect her but I failed every aspects. I failed her.
I still couldn't remember everything but I'm sure I'm getting there. In my head, the last time I saw my wife was before the incident when I fell down the stairs and my wife showing up in clubs where I was even if I couldn't remember her.
I remember seeing her in different occasions in my head. It's just blurry for it happened a long time ago but I know for sure it wasn't the last time I saw her.
I've been with her. I think.
It was the only time my body acted up after the accident.
I was fucking celibate for years! Nawalan na rin ako ng tiwala sa mga tao sa paligid dahil sa nangyari sa kapatid at sa mga taong pinagkatiwalaan niya.
I don't even get attracted to girls. I appreciate beauty when I see one but other than that, I know for sure I am missing something large that the sight of girls just wasn't it.
I'd rather spend my time getting drunk with my cousins and train in the military than to mess around.
That was the first time I was hot I feel like burning. The next one was the first time I laid my eyes on her in my club.
She was breathtaking.
I just can't remember much. My head's acting up that my doctors warned me not to force myself or I'll faint.
"Anong gagawin mo d'yan?" Turo ni Chiel sa hawak kong bulaklak.
"This was for my wife," I said. "But she didn't like it kaya ibibigay ko na lang sa kabit ko."
He laughed and smacked my head, "tang ina mo, Zion."
I smirked then pointed Macky's room.
"Gising na ba ang second wife ko?" I wiggled my brows.
"Yeah," aniya. "He's with the twins. 'Yong dalawa na lang ang nagpapasaya do'n. His wife abandoned him. That woman. I heard she stole from him again?"
Pissed, I shook my head.
"Want me to check where is she?"
Umiling siya, "nah. Macky don't wanna talk about her. He's getting grumpier everytime I mention Storm's name. I asked if he wanted to file a case. 'Di ako sinagot. I'm sure he's thinking about the twins."
"Did he even love her?" I asked.
He shrugged, "I don't know. All they do is fight and fight. They could do co-parenting if hindi sila nagkakasundo pero iniisip niya ang mga bata. Ayaw niya daw na lumaki ang kambal na walang pamilya. You know him, it's better to sacrifice his own happiness than his family's."
I couldn't blame him. We are all like that. Maybe it runs in the blood.
Starting from my Papa Jer and Mama Lena who had taught and showed us the importance of family. Of how we could keep our bond stronger and our roots deeply rooted the storm couldn't take it out and to my parents.
They showed us-me how to love and express myself.
Dad always tell me it's okay to be expressive and be vocal with your feelings and I grew up like how I see him express himself with my Mom and my siblings.
He says I love you when he feel like it. He was clingy, even to me. Walang-hiya iyon makasigaw ng I love you sa akin kahit ang tanda-tanda ko na and I wasn't ashamed at all.
That's how my dad always was. The sunshine in the family and maybe I got this attitude of mine from him.
Zeijan Jr. daw ako.
It's fine. Idol ko naman 'yang si Daddy pogi ko.
Perfect pa naman ang genes no'n nila ni mommy kaya damay-damay na 'to.
Ang gwapo ko kaya.
I was just envious at times because he got Mom. I know their story. My dad loves repeating it again and again.
Pinagyayabang niyang asawa niya si Alyx. Palaging nakatunganga sa T.V. sa hapon kakapanuod sa telenovela ni mom kahit napanuod na niya ng tatlong beses. He was repeating their love story again and again kung kailan niya maiisisingit.
Paulit-ulit niyang sinabing first meeting kasal agad sila tapos magagalit na 'di invited sa kasal ni Sibyl at ng akin. Eh, sa kanya lang naman kami nagmana.
'Di niya pa rin matanggap hanggang ngayon.
He even made a written agreement with Wave na sa kasal nila ni Zire dapat invited siya at kung hindi, ipapaalon daw siya sa alon.
He's crazy.
Mom might be embarrassed of him at times but she likes it, too. H'wag nga lang 'yong babaligtad ang kwento at sinasabi ni dad na si mom ang nanligaw sa kanya.
I was envious because he was able to protect his wife, my mom. While me? For years, I forgot about my wife. And I couldn't protect her like how my father did.
I will never be like my dad. I'm a failure.
I couldn't protect the people I love. I'm only good at failing them.
When we got inside Macky's hospital room, nakaupo sa gilid ng kama niya ang magkahawak-kamay na kambal.
Sunny was talking animatedly while her twin's silent and listening intently.
"Kumusta na ang mga pamangks ni Tito Zy?!" I exclaimed and my smile widened when they stood and ran closer to me. I mean, it was mostly Sunny.
"Ninong!" She jumped and lifted her hand. Sinalo ko siya at binuhat sabay sulyap kay Sky na nakikipagtitigan na sa lagayan ng macaroons na hawak ni Ninong Chiel niya.
"Macaroons?" He asked, we ended up laughing.
Cute talaga ng mga pamangks ko kay Macky-beybe.
Will I be good with kids of my own? Will I be a good father? I wonder...
Nang makontento na ako sa pang-iinis ng araw ni Macky at ng mga pinsan ay umalis ako at pinapatawag sa general headquarters.
I changed into the Class C uniform. The army green one and combat boots.
"Lagot ka Zy, pinapatawag ka," bungad ng tumatawang si Will pagkapasok ko.
"Why?" Ngumuso ako, "ano na naman daw ginawa ko?"
"Reports reached him that you've been on a rampage. Everyone thinks your cover was blown."
Tumaas ang kilay ko, "it reached him?"
"Oo, we received an intel there's a bounty on Reaper's head. Together with Scythe."
"There's a bounty for my wife's head?" Now, I'm pissed.
"Bastard, you do, too! Nakuhaan ka pa ng picture! Mabuti na lang ay side view pero kilala ka namin kaya alam kaagad."
"Fuck," nahilot ko ang sentido. "Is he mad?"
"Seething," aniya at napailing. "Yari ka."
"Shit..." naglakad na ako papasok sa opisina at inihanda ang saludo at malaking ngiti.
"Sir-" 'di pa ako natatapos makapagsalita ay may lumipad na sa 'king upuan.
Fuck. He's mad mad.
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
His rampage continues. The next one more brutal than the last.
I'm pissed. I know he's the fucking Reaper but why does he attack alone?! He had a whole team! Paano kapag napuruhan siya doon at namatay?!
If he dies, I'll fucking kill him myself again!
"You're turning red," naupo si Clau sa tabi ko at naglahad ng baso ng kape.
I sighed, "look at that idiot." Tinuro ko ang footage na nakuha namin sa isa sa mga pinuntahan niya.
It caused commotion in the underground, the name Reaper ringing bells and spreading terror all over. It wasn't a quick kill! He makes sure to torture Wyatt's men!
"What's with him?"
"Sumusugod mag-isa!" I fused in anger and frowned, "he had a whole team and yet he was going alone!"
"Like you?" She asked.
I stiffened. "What?"
Claudine shrugged, "like you? Sabi ko."
"Like me?" Natawa ako at tinuro ang sarili. "Bakit ako nasali rito? We were talking about my husband and-"
"You like attacking alone, too," pumasok si Jayden at naupo sa harapan ko. "Parehas kayo ng ugali, bagay na bagay nga kayo."
I opened my mouth to speak and defend myself but Jayden gave me a pointed look. Natahimik ako.
"A-am I really like that?"
"Oo," they said in unison. Napainom ako ng kape at nilubog ang sarili sa couch.
"Really?"
"You like working alone," Jayden commented. "You don't ask for help, too independent."
"You've left us a couple of time because you can't wait for the mission," ani Clau. "Success naman pero ang hilig-hilig mong mag-isa."
"Oh..." tumango-tango ako. "Uh...sorry?"
Clau giggled, "no worries! You are the Scythe! Wala namang masama maging independent,"
"But it's still better to ask for help," Jayden commented. "You are not alone, Bullet. Better maximize the help if it's possible. You have a team, us. We are supposed to work together, hindi 'yong ikaw lang nang ikaw ang kikilos. Do you think we'll ever be at ease knowing you went alone without even letting us know? What if you get killed?"
Natahimik ako at pinanuod lang ang dalawa. Clau was pouting but Jayden was dead serious, he looked like a big brother scolding his little sister.
"Well..." tumikhim ako.
"If you're annoyed at that husband of yours, you should be, too. For yourself. Magkaugali kayo. Bagay nga kayo." Clau chirped.
Humaba ang nguso ko. Tumawa si Jayden.
"You just echoed each other's words," I pointed out. "Bagay nga kayo." Sabay turo ko sa kanila ni Clau.
Jayden smirked. The latter blushed.
I stayed in low profile. I haven't seen-I mean Zion haven't seen me for three days already after I left the house to see Tito Zeijan.
I'm following him secretly, as always. Wala akong tiwala kina Wyatt. Even the Italians, even if they said starting a war was their goal. I want to make sure he's safe.
There are times I'm at a rooftop with a sniper, shooting enemies from the distance and I'm sure he knew it was me dahil kapag natatatanto niyang may sniper, hindi siya nagtatago.
He stands there while looking up in the buildings like he knew where it was coming from. Confident I'm behind the sniper and I wouldn't dare shooting him.
Idiot. Paano kung hindi ako? Edi patay na siya?!
After that, he'd secretly dispatch teams para halughugin ang mga buildings, Kapag tapos na siya ay sumusunod but I memorized his moves.
He wanted to catch me again. Too bad I'm smarter now. Mas mabilis kaming nawawala nina Clau at Jayden.
Like a ghost.
Everytime he'd be informed no one was seen and caught with the sniper, he'll get pissed. Hindi magsasalita pero kapag umalis na ang team at mag-isa ay maninipa ng mga lumang gamit doon o 'di kaya'y uupo sa maduming lapag habang hawak ang buhok niya.
The only communication we had was him sending flowers from time to time in the return address I gave him for the annulment paper pero 'di naman ako siniseryoso ng lalaking 'yon!
He was sending me back the papers with words like "No" in the paper or with childish drawings of stick people and hearts.
This idiot. Hindi niya talaga malalaman kung nasaan ako!
But despite that, of course, I feel bad and hurt. I know he was hurting. I felt it, too, but our lives are so fucked. Ilang beses ko nang napatunayan. Paulit-ulit na kapag naroon ako sa buhay niya, napapahamak ko siya. Sila ng mga mahal niya.
He's obviously sad but I guess it runs in the blood at pakiramdam ko minsan ay maluwag ang turnilyo sa utak ng asawa ko. He's moody. Serious at times pero mapapa-face palm ka na lang talaga minsan.
I watch him in CCTVs sometimes when he's in and out of DEA's building. Minsan ay nahuhuli ko pa siyang kumikindat at nagpapa-cute sa CCTV.
This man...I smile left my lips.
It's just Zion, of course. He wasn't my husband if he's not like that. Kahit noon pa, siya ang liwanag ko no'ng akala ko puro dilim na lang. He makes me smile by his dry humor and corny jokes, he's doing the same with his family.
He shows them he's fun and fine when deep inside, he was struggling, too.
I am not sure if anyone knows that behind those smiles and funny remarks is a shattered man. I wish I could help him take back the pieces but how could I? When I'm broken, too?
We'll end up hurting each other with our shattered pieces. We'll end up bleeding from each other's wounds.
I could go back but I don't have the heart to. I'm scared and worried. Scared that my visible presence with him again would endanger his life. And Twila's.
Pero 'di ko naman natitiis si Twila Klein at isang araw pa lang na 'di ko siya nakitang muli at muntik nang tumakas sa bahay nila at hinahanap ako, nagpakita na ako.
Zion was out turning rouge when I slipped inside the house, undetected even when heavily guarded. Of course I could, I memorized this house's layout and blind spots.
When Twila's on her room, crying, pinaalis niya ang mga nannies at nagwawala roon. Lumitaw ako.
Natahimik siya at mas umiyak habang tumatakbo palapit at yumakap ng mahigpit sa akin.
"A-akala ko po, iwan mo si Twinkle!" She cried while hugging me tight. "Twinkle sad..."
"Shh...I won't," I whispered and touched her hair. "I'm just here, darling."
She sniffed and cried more, lumalambitin sa leeg ko. I carried her and sat on her princess bed with her on my lap.
Si Meow-meow ay tumalon din sa kama kasama namin at naupo sa gilid ng hita ko.
"Don't cry," I soothed and dried her cheeks. "I'm here."
Namumula ang mukha niya, ang mata'y kumikislap sa mga luha at ang sipon ay nasa ilalim pa ng ilong. I smiled and took my handkerchief to dry her nose.
"Singa, Twila,"
Suminga siya ng mahina.
"Again," she repeated the same and after I was done, pinunasan ko rin ang pisngi niya't hinagkan. "Shh...don't cry, sweetie."
"A-alis po ba ikaw ulit?" Tanong niya at doon ay 'di ko na alam ang isasagot.
I chewed my lips and placed my forehead against hers.
"May work si Ate, baby,"
"H-hindi naman ako po hingi na ng toys," her voice broke. "'Di na ako rin po naughty girl, bait na ako po. H-hindi na ako pilit po na mag-go home kapag bawal po kasi may bad guys."
May tears fell continuously, unable to stop it this time.
"Twila..." hinawi ko ang luha at hinalikan ang pisngi niyang muli. "I'm sorry."
"Twinkle is sad, Meow-meow is sad...Pangit is sad," she breathed. "Miss po ikaw din ni pangit. 'Di siya po na palagi nag-joke! Tapos 'di niya na aagaw ang lumpia ko."
My eyes widened, "why?"
"Sabi niya po h'wag na daw ako sad kaya 'di niya agaw ang foods ko," she pouted. "E-eh, 'di naman ako sad sa lumpia. Sad ako kasi wala ikaw tapos...tapos 'di ako aaway ni pangit kaya super super sad ako."
My eyes softened.
"'Di na joke po ang tears ko!" She pointed her eyes, "true po iyong huhuhu ko."
Despite the tears, I laughed. I was so heartbroken but her adorable tiny voice and the way she expresses herself had me on my knees.
"Sorry," I kissed her cheek again. "Sorry for making you sad."
"Hindi na ikaw aalis po, Ate ko?" She asked hopefully, "ayaw ko na po na sad, Ate. Masakit po sa heart, sabi niya po ouch huhuhu!"
I laughed again and squeezed her in a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry, darling," I whispered. "Ate has some important and dangerous work to do and I'm afraid I'll put you in harm's way."
Her shoulder fell and I saw how her eyes lost its glow. It disheartened me.
"But I can still see you," I said. Lumiwanag ang mata niya.
"How po? Uwi na ikaw po rito sa house?"
"No...I..." I bit my lip, "Ate could visit you from time to time but could we make it a secret first? Until Ate's sure no one could harm my princess Twinkle, I couldn't risk."
"Like agent secret?"
I nodded, "yes, darling. Like yours and my secret last time."
She nodded, "okay po! Secret agent secret! Mag-hi ka po always sa akin?"
"Yes," I caressed her cheek, "if I have free time in work, I promise Ate will visit you. And well, even if I wasn't here, I can always see you."
"Me?"
"Yes, you," I touched her chin. "Kaya kapag wala si Ate, always remember that I've always been watching you.
Her eyes brightened more as she hugged my nape again and whispered.
"O-okay po, secret only! I-I love you po, Ate. From the bottom of my heart!" She whispered.
Nahulog muli ang luha ko.
"I..." humigpit ang yakap ko sa kanya at ipinikit ang mata. "I do, too."
Everyday prior to that day, I'm seeing her. She would sneak in her room, tell her nannies she wanted to play with the cat until they leave her alone and she'd open the terrace's door for me. We would play inside her room for thirty minutes up to an hour until I leave.
Ilang linggo lang no'ng huli kong nakita siya pagkatapos siyang makuha nina Wyatt. Isang araw nang makitang muli at lumayo pero parang may humahalukay sa sikmura ko sa bawat oras na nakakalipas na 'yon.
I just missed her for weeks, for a day but for me? It felt like I've been missing her my whole life.
"Where are you going?" Ani Jay nang matapos ang pagmamamanman namin sa mga naiwang tauhan ni Wyatt ay nag-aasikaso ako ulit.
"Twinkle," I answered.
His lips tugged for a smile, "you're that strong, huh? Patago ka makipagkita sa bulilit para lang 'di makita ni Zion? Are you hiding from him?"
"No," I answered shortly and sat to wear my boots.
He laughed, "oh...okay, sabi mo, eh."
I stared at him sharply. He smiled again.
"He's butchering Wyatt's goons in your name,"
My heart skipped a bit. There's nothing more romantic than that but...
"If I show myself, they hunt him more. You know Wyatt wanted me. The Italians wanted the USB Zion was hiding. I couldn't risk again. Hindi ko na kakayanin kung may mangyayari kay Twila. We were lucky because she was a brave kid but I didn't want to think there'll be a next time. If I could protect them, I would."
"Remember when we're conning people?" He opened up.
Tumango ako.
"You always say it was so easy to please and tempt men because they have this hero complex. They wanted to help helpless women. They wanted to be needed and that's what you're giving them to lure them to you."
"And?"
"I just realized you knew it too well because you're quite familiar with it,"
Mas naguluhan ako, "I'm lost."
"Being too independent and protecting without them knowing and not even asking for one is somehow similar to that," aniya. "Though, not entirely because you don't do it for the spotlight. In your case, you don't want to be needed. You don't want to be seen because you thought to one would care. You just do it because you love them."
Napalunok ako.
"No one would care if I'm gone-"
"What do you think of me and Clau? No one?" Kumunot ang noo niya, "we are your friends, Bullet. We care for you. I will kill anyone who hurt you or her. I will butcher anyone who'd dare, Bullet. You think no one would care?"
I chewed my lower lip.
"I don't particularly like your husband but I know he loves you," that remark even made my heart go haywire.
Umawang ang labi ko para sana tumutol pero itinaas niya ang kamay para patahimikin ako.
"I know a man in love when I see one," he said. "You haven't seen how angry and desperate he was when you left the building, bleeding after that kidnapping. He was shot and bleeding too pero ang iniisip niya ang mga sugat mo. When we came back later that night and checked on you, he fucking threatened me with a gun on my head."
"What?"
"He said, if anything happens to his wife in my hands-he'd hunt me even in the afterlife," he chuckled. "That asshole. I don't like him."
"He said that?"
"Yeah, he's a fool but a fool to you," aniya. "It was hard loving someone after they betray you, Bullet. I gave him a plus points for that."
"So, you like him now?" I smirked.
Sumimangot siya, "not quite but he's tolerable. I'm just saying you weren't alone, Bullet. Not this time, you have us. You have him and Twinkle. I think you should let go of your you know...a bit of your hero complex and let another person be a hero this time."
Lumabi ako.
"There's nothing wrong being a baby princess at times," aniya sabay sulyap kay Clau na nakapusod ang magulong buhok, nakasalamin at nakamukmok na naman sa laptop niya habang kumakain ng chips.
I chuckled. She's adorable.
"But Wyatt would attack him because of me,"
"You might be forgetting who he was, Bullet?" Humalukipkip siya. "He's the Reaper and why would you get scared when you're Scythe? The underground doesn't kneel to Wyatt-it kneels for the terror of you, two."
Matagal ko iyong pinag-isipan. I stayed there discussing a few things to the both of them before opening up about my brother. They were happy for me and I'm happy, too, because of Jayden's news.
"Someone recognized the picture of me when I was a child," he smiled. "They led me into an orphanage."
"Orphanage?" I asked, "then? Did you find your family?"
"Unfortunately it was a dead end. Nasunog ang ampunan. The reports says it was an accident, gas leak but the residents says it was arson. Mga sindikato raw kasi ang mga nagpapatakbo no'n, I think they're using the children for trafficking of sorts. Some kids are able to escape, some was taken. I think I'm with the taken ones-knowing I grew up in Wyatt's."
Lumabi ako at tumitig sa laptop ni Clau.
"So, no updates?"
"The old caretaker said he was familiar with me-the kid me. He said he's always seeing me playing with a boy older than me and a girl almost the same as my age."
"Your siblings?" I asked.
He shrugged, "I don't know. I don't expect much but there's nothing wrong with hoping, right?"
Tumango ako, "you're right."
"Buti pa kayo," sabay kaming bumaling kay Clau.
"No updates?" I asked.
She shook her head softly, "I guess I don't have a family left. Dead end. Okay lang, I'm not really expecting."
My heart fell and I knelt on the ground and embraced my friend.
"Who said you didn't have a family?" I whispered, "you have us, right, Jayden?"
And when Jayden joined the hugs with his whispers of something I couldn't hear at Claudine's, she sobbed and hugged us tightly.
I left afterwards to go and play with my darling Twila. Tapos na ang tutor niya at malaki ang ngiti ko nang buksan niya ako ng terrace at tumitili na nang makita ako.
She told me about her day and I helped her do her assignments after and played with her and Meow-meow.
The weather wasn't that nice today. Uulan at aaraw ulit. Vice versa.
I found out she played in the rain earlier kaya basa ang buhok at bagong ligo. I asked if her brother allowed her but she said hindi naman daw niya alam na uulan kaya daw surprise din daw ang laro niya sa ulan.
Her nannies couldn't stop her.
Kalong-kalong ko siya ngayon habang nagbabasa kami ng fairytale stories. The rain had stopped already, at natagalan ako sa kwarto niya dahil umuulan daw at mababasa ako at magkaka-yayay-her words-kapag umalis ako.
I know it was her ways to keep me here.
I even overheard her saying to the sky not to stop raining so I don't have to leave. I almost cried.
So I stayed. I hid when her nannies took her to dinner and when she came back, we played again until she'd fallen asleep in my arms.
Good thing, she was intelligent. No one suspected she was talking to me because she kept on saying she had a friend-an imaginary one and it was her she was talking to.
Which is just me.
The nannies let it go. Of course, kids imagination are big and creative.
Marahan ko siyang inilapag sa kama. I was about to go when she gripped my wrist and stared at me with the small gap of her eyelids.
"H-h'wag mo iwan po si T-Twinkle," she mumbled.
"Shh..." I kissed her cheek, "Ate will stay until you fall asleep. Do you want me to sing a lullaby?"
She hummed and closed her eyes, tugging my wrist closer until she's resting her head on my lap.
"Opo..."
My heart melted and even if I don't have a good singing voice, I sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star-I didn't know if it was a lullaby. It was the only children's song I know.
I watched as her eyes flutter. Her twinkling amber eyes staring at me with such love I didn't know if I deserved.
"Sleep, little princess," I hummed. "Ate will protect you. No one will hurt you while I'm here."
Luckily, she fell asleep.
I stayed there for another five minutes until her nanny came knocking, asking if she wanted to sleep. Nagtago ako at nang makita nilang tulog na ang maliit ay inayos niya ang kumot bago umalis.
I went out and sat beside her again.
I removed my contacts first for my eyes are itchy at sa medyo nanlalabong mata ay pinanuod ko siya.
The doctors told me my poor eyesight was mostly an effect for my torture and face operation. They said the doctor might not be licensed or he wasn't just careful enough kaya kailangan ko mag-contacts para makakita ng sobrang linaw.
I stared at Twila. My baby princess.
Yakap-yakap niya ang lumang laruan at habang nakatitig doon ay pamilyar ang itsura nito.
Have I seen this toy before?
Unti-unti ay kinuha ko ang laruan sa yakap ni Twinkle. I observed it and turned it around when I saw a zipper behind.
There's this tug inside my chest telling me to open it and I did. Dumukot ako sa likod, sa loob ng laruan. At first, I couldn't touch anything and I was about to give up when my finger touched something round inside.
Hinila ko 'yon at may nahulog sa hita ko pagkakuha ko ng singsing sa loob.
What?
I eyed the familiar ring, rolling it on my finger until I saw an engraving at the back of it.
Z.S.B.S.
Oh.
What is it?
And it dawned to me.
Oh...
Zion Schauffer Buenavides Sandejas?
Is this my ring? Before? In our first wedding? When I was still Theia?
Sinukat ko ang singsing at nang sumakto iyon sa daliri ay nangunot ang noo.
What the heck is my ring doing inside Twila's toy?
Kinuha ko ang nakalukot na kung anong nahulog sa hita at napalabi nang matantong litrato iyon. Just that, it was messy and can't be recognized. Probably it got wet when the toy was getting washed.
I turned the photo around and stiffened when I saw a scribble behind. Magulo iyon at ang iilang parte ay putol na ang sulat but I could still read parts of it.
You're the light in dark places. I'll watch you from afar, darling. I promise you'll be safe.
My heart throbbed. As if the pinpricks of needle was stabbing my chest repeatedly that it was so hard to breathe.
"Shit..."
I need air.
Napatayo ako at ibinulsa ang litrato bago ibinalik ang laruan sa kanya at tumayo. I kissed her head and said my goodbye to Meow-meow before running to the terrace to get some air.
When I calmed down, I jumped on my way down the terrace to go when I saw my husband's sports car in the driveway.
He's home?
My heart raced. Unti-unti akong naglakad sa nakabukas na gate nang matantong naroon siya! And what the hell was he doing with Jackie?!
"Are you sure?" His voice filled my ear.
"Yes, thank you," she said softly.
"Okay, take care,"
Sumilip ako at pinanuod ang dalawa na nasa labas ng gate.
Jackie was in her work clothes and my husband's in a military uniform. Mula rito ay kitang-kita ko ang likod niya, ang pagkakahulma ng balikat niya sa uniporme at kung paano yakapin ng pants ang mga hita.
I made a face.
He thinks he's hot?
Then, he's fucking right.
Napahawak ako sa underwear.
H'wag kang mahuhulog ngayon! Nagmo-move on na tayo d'yan!
"Thank you again for last night, Zy. I enjoyed it." She giggled. Nawala ang ngiti ko.
Umabot sa bunbunan ko ang kilay.
What the fuck?
"It's nothing," Zy nodded.
"But still...I loved it. Ngayon lang ulit nakatikim ng gano'n."
Putang...ina?
I fisted my palm.
Hindi umimik si Zion.
"Could we do it again-"
Sinipa ko ang trash can at sabay silang napatalon at lumingon sa pwesto ko pero mabuti na lang ay nakapagtago na ako kaagad.
"You should go," ani Zy at 'di na inantay na makapagsalita ang huli.
"Zion, thank you,"
"'Ge. Ingat, bye," then he closed the door in her face.
I remained hiding behind the fucking trash can until I heard his fucking footsteps!
I stiffened.
"Who's there?"
Fuck! Palapit na siya!
"Meow!" I purred.
He stiffened. I have never heard silence this loud.
"Meow..." I purred again like a fucking idiot!
"Oh..." aniya, "Meow-meow, bakit ka nand'yan? Maligo ka bukas at magagalit ang Mommy Tish mo na naglalaro ka na naman sa basurahan."
"Meow..." pumiyok ako.
Natahimik siya.
Shit! Maniwala ka! Pusa ako! Pusa! Pusang ina!
"Get inside in a while, 'kay? Kukunin kita mamaya, maliligo lang ako."
When his footsteps are gone, sumilip na ako at napatili ng mahina habang ginugulo ang buhok sa kahihiyan.
Fucking seriously Bullet?!
A cat?!
Sa halip na umalis ay umakyat ako sa terrace ng kwarto ni Sandejas. I was still pissed.
Jackie, seriously?! At anong nag-enjoy sa ginawa last night? Anong ginawa?
I touched the knife on my waist. Mukhang may mapuputulan ako ng ano.
Nakaupo siya sa kama at may kausap sa telepono habang tinatanggal ang boots.
I glared at Zion from the curtains like a ghost.
Bigla siyang lumingon. Nagtago ako sa gilid.
"Dad, no'ng pinatayo ba natin 'tong bahay may multo?" He suddenly asked.
"Huh? May multo? Pina-bless na natin kay father 'yan, ah! Bakit may multo? 'Di ka siguro nagdadasal 'no?" I heard Tito Zeij's voice.
"No! Not that," he sighed. "It's just creepy. Sometimes I feel like someone's watching me in my sleep tapos kapag nagigising ako wala naman."
Oh...it was me.
I was hysterical. Kinagat ko ang labi.
"Just right now, I feel like I can feel someone's eyes on me tapos walang tao! Hindi lang 'yan! Sometimes in the morning, I overheard Twinkle speaking to someone inside her room, kapag tinatanong ko imaginary friend niya daw."
My lips protruded.
"Paanong imaginary?"
"Kakatukin ko tapos kapag pumapasok ako siya lang mag-isa doon na naglalaro kasama ang laruan niya atsaka 'yong pusa. I asked her nannies, they always hear her talking to someone at times, too. Tinanong ko sabi niya, may friend daw siya. Si Laura."
Oh, she named me Laura?
I laughed soundly that I covered my mouth.
Zy's breath hitched.
"May tumawa, Dad, narinig mo?"
"H-huh? Wala! Tang ina ka, Zion, huh! Mag-isa lang ako sa bahay ngayon!"
"Dad! Punta ka dito-"
"Mag-isa mo! H'wag mo na 'ko idamay!" Then the line went off.
"Dad!" He hissed. "Shit!"
Nang marinig ko ang yapak niya papuntang terrace ay tumalon ako papunta sa kabila at nagtago doon.
He looked around and frowned, scratching his eyebrows.
"Kasalanan talaga 'to ni Book Joo ang daming pinapanuod na mga horror sa 'kin," he hissed then typed something on his phone at mamaya-maya ay may kausap na naman.
"Hoy, Crest Veronica! Kapag ako minulto dito tapos namatay, ikaw ang mumultuhin ko! Makikita mo!"
In the other line, I heard Crest's hysterical laugh and when Zion got inside the room again, bumalik ako sa terrace niya at sumalisi nang lumabas siya saglit.
I wanted to know what's with him and Jackie! And anong nag-enjoy? Mas mag-e-enjoy siya kapag naputulan ko siya ng kaligayahan!
When I heard the door opening, tumakbo ako sa closet at nagtago.
He sighed, looked around the room suspiciously before doing a sign of the cross.
Ang lalaking ito talaga.
Ang tapang-tapang pero takot sa multo?
"Ang multo ay nasa utak lang ng mga tao," bulong pa niya at tinanggal ang butones ng uniporme.
Sa siwang ng cabinet ay pinanuod ko siya.
I gripped my necklace more and gulped when he removed his uniform before turning his back to pull his navy green shirt off his body from the back, revealing his back muscles and that yummy tattoos of his covering his back.
I flinched and bumped into the cabinet.
His body tensed and his shoulders squared.
Fuck!
Humarap siya sa cabinet kaya mas isiniksik ko ang katawan para magtago. Pinigil ko ang hininga. He watched the cabinet closely before his frown vanished and was replaced by a relaxed smile.
"Hmm..." he hummed then unbuttoned his pants.
My eyes almost went out of my eye socket when he stripped off pants while facing the cabinet and if that wasn't hysterical enough, he removed his boxers and his dick sprang free.
Nahulog ang panga ko.
What the hell?!
It was massive in length and width! Wala akong contacts pero high definition ang paningin ko ngayon habang namimilog kakatitig doon.
Mali ang mga doktor. Selective ang paglilinaw ng mata ko.
Depende sa view.
I could see the veins and remembered how much I fucking loved giving him blowjobs before-
Bullet, anong kalandian 'yan?! Tigang ka?!
Hinilamos ko ang mukha.
Calm down.
I think I'm just so horny for this, right? I should do pleasure myself again tonight! Wala pa naman si Franklin! Kunin ko kaya?
He moistened his lower lip then casually strode around the room, butt-fucking-naked!
Binuksan niya ang kabilang pintuan ng cabinet at nagsalita.
"Natahimik na ata 'yong multo," aniyang masaya. "Siguro may crush sa 'kin 'yon."
I grimaced.
"Ang yabang?" Bulong ko.
"'Di naman sa pagmamayabang pero 'yong mga ganitong visuals, kahit multo mapapaluhod." He mumbled. "Perfect, in short."
Aba, 'di ka na takot, ah?
He whistled and left and when I'm sure he's inside the shower, I sneaked out of the cabinet and picked the bathroom's lock.
He was singing inside the shower, happily. Parang 'di natakot kanina, ah?
Ang saya-saya mo, Sandejas, ah?
Kitang-kita ko siyang nagsasabon at nakapikit ang mata habang kumakanta, tunog excited na ewan. His dick was in my line of vision and before I could get tempted to show myself, kneel and beg for him cock to enter my filthy mouth. Tinapik ko ang mukha.
Inis ka, Bullet, 'di ba?
Nakapikit siya, nagsa-shampoo pa at kumakanta ng favorite niyang Kitchie Nadal Medley with sound effects pa.
I shook my head.
He has a nice voice. I admit. It's sexy and...Bevurleigh Leticia?! What is this fucking kalandian?!
Lumabas ako saglit para tumili-tili at sa muling pagsilip ko ay sa taas na ako nakatingin.
Not on his distracting dick again!
Tumalas ang tingin ko at saktong pagkanta niya doon sa mataas na tono, pinatay ko ang ilaw. Tumili siya.
I opened it again and hid.
"Putang ina?!" Malutong niyang mura. I grinned.
I waited for a few minutes and took a peek, saw him cautiously shampooing his hair then when he was calm, pinatay ko at binuksan ang ilaw ng paulit-ulit.
Sumigaw siya at nagmura.
"Fuck! Humanda ka sa 'king multo ka!" Sigaw niyang 'di ko alam kung galit o nanghahamon.
I laughed without a sound before tiptoeing my way back to the cabinet and covered my mouth to hide.
When he got out, nakapaikot na ang t'walya sa baywang niya at basang-basa pa ang katawan.
May kumatok.
"Sir, okay lang po kayo? May narinig kaming sigaw-"
"I'm fine!" He exclaimed loudly, "nanunuod akong palabas, doon 'yong sumisigaw."
Weh?
I giggled.
Zy stripped off the towel, making me see his round smooth ass. He wore his underwear then a black pajamas before drying his hair with the towel.
"Damn ghost," reklamo niya sabay sulyap sa cabinet. I smirked proudly. "Laura, ikaw ba 'yan?"
I bit back a laugh.
"Si Twinkle na lang multuhin mo, h'wag ako. 'Di naman ako pumayag na maging friend mo."
Kinalampag ko ang cabinet. He jumped briefly and his jaw clenched, yet, mirth was written all over his sexy smoldering blue eyes.
"Kapag nahuli talaga kitang multo ka, yari ka sa 'kin,"
Kung mahuhuli. Multo nga, 'di ba?
Tanga naman nitong asawa ko.
"Makikitulog ako kay Twinkle," aniya. "Narinig mo 'yon, Laura? Doon ako sa kapatid ko, 'di mo 'ko p'wedeng sundan!" He announced then placed the towel on his shoulder and went out, topless.
I smirked and heard his footsteps fading. Then the lights went off with the sound of the closing door.
I waited for a minute and when I'm sure I'm safe, I went out with a wide smile on my face.
It was dark but I care not. I'm used to it.
I was humming in satisfaction and went inside the bathroom to wash my hands first, turned the lights off and walked to the bathroom's door while drying my hand.
"Laura's not the ghost," I hummed. "It was Sadako."
"I know, hun," I stiffened when I felt a presence and suddenly, my back's pressed on the doorframe with a large arm snaking on my waist.
Shit!
"Hello, Sadako," Zion whispered, "huli ka..."
I gasped and reached for my gun when I heard a click. Kumalat ang ilaw sa buong kwarto at nagkatinginan kami. Nakita ko kung pa'no unti-unting napawi ang ngisi niya.
Fuck! My contacts!
I looked away when he caught my jaw and stared at me openly.
"Amber," he breathed while staring at my eyes.
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