Kabanata 29 (Part One)
Hello, Archers! I will be joining the Philippine Book Festival on June 3, Saturday, 1-3PM at the Amorsolo Function Room of the World Trade Center Manila with AnakniRizal, JosevfTheGreat, TheCatWhoDoesntMeow, ChiXnita and MariaLea.
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Also Content Warning: This chapter contains graphic violence and vulgar words. Please, read with caution.
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Kabanata 29 (Part One)
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
It's still unknown how destiny and fate works.
We have lost our memories and somehow loved each other again. We have lost ourselves but found each other's hearts again—both shattered, hoping our love would mend those that had been broken.
We have suffered, a lot of times. Minsan nga napapatanong na ako sa sarili kung sa lahat, bakit ako? Bakit ako ang dapat makaranas ng sakit na ganito?
Bakit ako ang nahirapan ng ganito?
I have lost my parents. My siblings and I got separated. I have lost my husband and was robbed of the opportunity to raise my daughter.
All because of the stupid old hag.
"Are you taking your meds, Bullet?" Deion asked.
Tumango ako.
"Yup, just finished refilling the prescription earlier. Kukunin ko na lang sa pharmacy." Sagot ko.
"You're doing good," he smiled at me. "Are you still having nightmares?"
"At times," bulong ko. "But not much these days. Kapag sobrang stress lang at minsan kapag pagod."
"Everything doing good with you and Zy?"
Tumango ako, "yes but I noticed he's a bit quiet yesterday. Parang ang daming iniisip."
"Quiet? How so?"
"He looks hesitant and scared at times. Minsan kagaya pa rin ng nakaraan na sobrang gulo at ingay but when he's alone and he thinks no one was looking, he's silent. I know it was probably shock after finding out Twila's our daughter just one night ago but...siguro 'di lang ako sanay?"
"His therapy's next schedule will be next week," aniya. "He didn't come last week, is it possible you can help me convince him?"
Tumango ako at tumitig sa kamay ko.
"Perhaps, Dei, he's not blaming himself for what happened, right?" I asked curiously.
Inayos niya ang salamin at sumandal.
"I really can't say if he was blaming himself for it unless I talk to him but it is possible," aniya. "We both know you're blaming yourself for what happened before and in that case, he might be feeling the same way."
"I see,"
"Talk to him, I think you two should talk about this. Hindi n'yo kasalanan ang nangyari and you, you chose the right decision of giving Twinkle to Uncle Zeijan's care. It's a good decision, nabigyan mo ng maayos at masayang buhay ang anak n'yo ni Zy and you are worried because it's late? No, Twinkle's still young—you all had the time in the world to make it up to her. You have all the time in the world to be her mother."
Tumango ako.
"Thank you, Dei. The sessions helped a lot, I hope it'll be better soon."
"Soon, it will be so much better, Bullet." Ngumiti siya, "see you next month? Oh, I think we'll see each other this week again. May get together sa ancestral. You know the drill."
I said my goodbyes, took my meds from the pharmacy on my way out before checking my phone.
Twila's already home, Zire texted me. Kakauwi lang nila galing ospital at sila ang nag-offer na maghatid habang nasa therapy ako.
I'm sure my husband's with them now from his early race earlier. Ayaw nga sana pumunta no'n kung 'di lang pinilit ng anak.
Anak...
I bit back a smile.
Twila teased him, saying sawa na raw siya makita ang mukha ni Daddy pangit kaya ayon, sumama sa practice game nila kanina ang huli pero ang gusto niya lang talaga ay dumaan sa mall ang Daddy at bilhin 'yong bago labas na spy barbie ata 'yon?
Sinuklay ko ang buhok at dire-diretsong lumabas para magtawag na sana ng cab pauwi nang makita ko ang nag-aabang sa parking.
My forehead creased.
Naglakad ako palapit kay Macky at Zy na nakasandal sa kotse ng asawa.
They were talking and I can see the way people stared openly upon seeing them. He's still in his racing suit, his hair in a bun with Macky alongside of him.
My brow shot up when I saw Zion putting a piece of cigarette on his lips. Kunot ang noo ni Macky na inilapit ang lighter sa bibig no'ng isa.
I watched him puffing the cigarette with his one hand inside his pocket, his back lazily resting on his car.
He looks so hot it's annoying but...
The hell is he smoking? Hindi ito naninigarilyo, ah?
I marched closer and heard Zion coughing. I hid myself in the other car.
"Bakit ganito, Macky-beybe? Nakakaubo!" He hissed and glanced at his cigarette.
"Sanayan lang," ani Macky na natatawa. "Bakit ka ba naninigarilyo?"
Zy cleared his throat and tried puffing again.
"Same reason as you did," he shrugged then frowned.
"I only smoke when I'm stressed," ani Macky. "Wait, are you stressed?"
My jaw clenched, I watched how Zy threw the cigarette on the ground and stepped on it. Umiling siya bago tinapon iyon pagkatapos.
"I'm fine," aniya at bumuntonghininga, ngumingiti pa.
"Fine?" Macky asked, "you are pissed during the race earlier, parang lahat kaaway mo."
"Kaaway naman talaga," he answered lightly. "Kaya nga race, 'di ba?"
Macky watched him closely before shaking his head, "you have a problem." He concluded.
That made him smirk, tilting his head to deny it again, I decided to step in and cleared my throat.
"Misis!" He beamed upon seeing me.
Sinuklay ko ang buhok at naglakad papunta sa kanila. My husband caught my waist immediately, pulling me closer to him for a kiss on my cheek.
"Tapos ka na, mahal?" Bulong niya.
Inangat ko ang tingin at pinakatitigan siya bago sumimangot at bahagya siyang tinulak palayo sa 'kin.
"Did you smoke?" I asked, annoyed. Pretending I haven't seen him. "Ang baho mo!"
Namilog ang mata niya bago umiling. I narrowed my eyes at him.
He sighed, "just a puff, tinapon ko rin kaagad. Ayaw ko no'ng lasa nakakaubo."
Hindi ko siya sinagot at binalingan si Macky na nanunuod lang sa 'min na may ngiti.
"Hello, Marcus," I greeted.
"Hello, Miss Sadako," he mused and offered me his hand. "Who would've thought it was you all over again?"
Chuckling, I accepted his palm for a handshake.
I can hear Zion whining, umirap ako sa hangin ng basta na lang niya akong hinuli at niyakap sa likuran.
"Zion!" I hissed when he began kissing my nape, wrapping his large body against mine.
Tumawa si Macky sa aming dalawa. Binalingan ko siya ulit pagkatapos tapakan ang paa ni Zion. Nakaiwas ang gago at muling pumulupot na parang tarsier.
I repeated, "what are you doing here?"
"I saw your husband when I got here kaya nilapitan ko, mukhang kawawa, eh. Alam mo bang kabit niya 'ko?" He blurted.
Napaubo ng malakas si Zy at umiling.
"H'wag mo tayong i-expose!" He hissed, "walang alam ang misis ko—"
"You're cheating on me, Sandejas?" Malamig kong tanong kay Zion na mas umiling sa 'kin.
"No! Damn it—tang ina ka, Macky-beybe!" He cursed when Marcus laughed loudly at him.
"It's true, Bullet," aniya. "Pinapadalhan ako niyan dati ng bulaklak sa ospital tapos sinusubuan pa 'ko ng pagkain, ang sweet 'no? Sabi niya kasi masungit daw ako pero mas masungit ang legal wife niya kaya sa 'kin muna siya."
I tried stopping my laughter. Mas nag-inarte ang asawa sa likuran ko.
"Marcus!"
"He said—"
"Isa! Isusumbong ko na iniyakan mo si Rainygade rin no'ng inuman natin no'ng nakaraan kasi akala mo iiwan ka na!" He hissed.
Biglang nawala ang ngisi ni Macky. Sumeryoso ang huli at tumalim ang tingin.
"Subukan mo," he said darkly, "isusumbong ko rin kay Bullet na naglupasay ka kakaiyak habang nakaluhod sa harapan niya pagkatapos mong sabihing: I don't beg, because to beg is water."
I'm so certain I could imagine my husband's embarrassed face but I guess I could confirm the allegations.
"I actually know," I told Macky, "he did it what...two? Three times? No'ng inuwi n'yo 'to no'ng lasing sa bahay tapos noon? 'Yong gabi pagkatapos no'ng public proposal niya no'ng college—"
"He begged you?!" He exclaimed.
"No!" Singhal ni Zion, "niloloko ka lang ni misis!"
Sabay lapit at bulong niya sa 'kin, "Tish, wala namang hulugan! Aasarin nila 'ko hanggang kamatayan—"
"Yup," I confirmed. "He knocked on my house and begged. With luha at uhog."
When Macky's grin widened, Zion cursed and hid on my neck.
"Wow," Macky laughed. "Kumusta? Busog na busog ka na bang kainin mga sinasabi mo? Bundat na?"
Zion whined. I smirked.
"Busog na busog na," I confirmed. "'Yong salitang kinain niya pang one year supply."
We talked briefly until Macky glanced at his watch and nodded at us.
"I gotta go," aniya. "You know, therapy."
It amazed me. I rarely see men going in therapies, they think it makes them weak kaya 'di sila sumusubok but this family is wonderful. They don't judge and even encourage family members to seek help if needed.
It's great din na may mga professional sila sa pamilya. Nakakatuwa na ang pamilya pa ang naghihikayat na humingi ng tulong kung kailangan. Hindi kagaya ng sa iba, sinasabing ang mental health problems, trauma at depression ay nasa utak lang ng tao at gawa-gawa lang.
They really didn't know what's going on inside a person's head unless you are them.
The sleepless nights, the anxieties, the trigger and racing of heartbeats. It was all scary. You can feel it eating you from the inside and it's so sad therapies aren't as accessible as it seems.
We can all be in therapies but not everyone has the privilege to afford one. One session costs thousands of peso and if you don't have the spare money at sakto lang sa pang-araw-araw mo? Mas lalo ka lang made-depress sa bayarin.
I hope someday therapies like this will be free in more establishments accessible to the masses.
I know Sandejas Foundation has clinics offering psychiatric guidance and evaluation free of charge. I hope more foundation and hospitals would offer this.
It will be a better world if everyone is healing but that world seems to be impossible.
With this messy and fucked up world? I doubt.
"Misis..."
"I'll drive," I hummed.
"Ako na," aniya.
Umirap ako, "you just raced, ako na."
"Nope," habol niya sa 'kin, "ako na, misis. Sit pretty ka lang sa tabi ko, passenger princess. Nasa akin ang remote."
Humalukipkip ako at inilahad ang kamay sa sasakyan. Inabot niya ang bulsa para kunin ang remote pero biglang natigilan nang matantong wala na 'yon sa bulsa niya.
Muli niyang hinawakan ang bulsa at kinapa.
"Teka lang, misis—"
"Looking for this?" I asked and showed him what I got.
Umawang ang labi niya, "how did you..."
"You might be forgetting I'm a pretty thief," I smiled sweetly.
He laughed, still amazed.
"Yeah, of course. You're a pretty thief." He said then took a step closer to me and without a word pulled my top from my chest to take a peek of my boobs.
"The fuck?" I hissed.
"I was just checking, baka may mga nakaipit na pera," aniya bago natatawang hinalikan ang dibdib ko at tumakbo papunta sa passenger seat.
"I'm a passenger princess!" He then started humming as he walked towards his side then stopped briefly, glancing at me expectantly.
"What?" I asked.
"Open the door, I'm a princess," he grinned.
Natawa ako at naiiling na naglakad papunta sa pwesto niya para pagbuksan ang prinsesa.
"Get in, princess," I teased.
"You're such a gentlewoman," he commented and when he was about to get inside, tinampal ko ang pwet niya.
Wide-eyed, he glanced at me.
"Misis?!" Sabay hawak niya sa pang-upo na akala mo'y naeeskandalo.
"Ganyan ginagawa mo sa 'kin, 'di ba?" I spat. "Anong pakiramdam, ah?"
"Ang sarap," sabay tanggal ng kamay niya. "One more."
I slapped his butt teasingly. The asshole moaned.
Naglingunan sa amin ang mga dumadaan kaya nagmura na ako, tinulak na siyang marahas paloob sabay ngisi sa mga nakatingin.
"J-just my dog," I explained but then, sumilip ang ulo ng asawa sa bintana para magreklamo. Tinulak ko pabalik.
"May rabies lang," I offered an explanation again and when they just stared at me with wide eyes, unti-unti na 'kong umatras at tinakbo ang driver's seat.
He's a pain in the ass, he spent his time teasing me, saying he's a passenger princess. He even rolled the window down while singing his heart out to that long Taylor Swift song.
"You memorized it?" I asked.
Tinapos muna niya ang line ng kanta bago ako sinulyapan, "yup! Ten minutes 'yan, misis! Ang haba 'no? Favorite ko 'yan."
"Ten minutes?" Kumunot ang noo ko, "really? Was it possible? It's a not a remix or something?"
"Ang dati kasi nasa six minutes lang pero nagmakaawa kami sa reyna na ilabas 'yong mahabang version, kinabisado ko 'yan in three days."
"You begged? How?"
"Sa social media," aniya. "Nag-video pa nga ako, sabi ko: Hi, Taylor Swift I'm a big fan. I like your songs, all your songs."
Napatawa ako, "the fuck? You did?!"
He grinned at me, as if he had some private joke going on inside his pretty head at hindi ako makaka-relate.
"Yup! Kabisado ko lahat ng kanta, 'di lang halata." Kwento niya. "Real men cry over Taylor Swift's songs."
I was chuckling. I can't believe I'm learning more things about him everyday.
He tried explaining to me the relevance of the rerecorded albums and I couldn't wrap my head at it in one go but I listened and let him just talk. He's beaming now, unlike yesterday kaya masaya ako.
His happiness are mine, the same thing the shattered pieces of my heart was his.
Nga lang, walang oras talagang na 'di mo na lang gugustuhing saksakin si Zion sa kakulitan.
He went back to his passenger princess scenarios. When I reached for the gear stick, hinuli niya ang kamay ko at pinatong sa hita niya.
I glared.
"What?" He asked, "I'm a princess."
Pinalo ko ang hita niya at ibinalik sa gear stick. Muli niyang hinuli at pinatong sa hita niya, kagaya no'ng ginagawa niya sa akin madalas kapag nasa biyahe.
"Seriously, Zy? Paano kung madisgrasya tayo dito sa kalandian mo?"
"What? 'Di 'yan," umiling siya, "ganito kaya sa mga libro, 'di ka ba kinikilig?"
He is ridiculous. Sometimes I wonder if he's real.
Tumawa siya sa itsura ko.
"Boring mo naman, misis! 'Di ka masyadong nanunuod, 'di ka rin nagbabasa. Anong hobby mo?"
I shrugged, "manaksak, gusto mo sample?"
I glanced his way. His eyes widened in horror. Umiling siya bigla at sumandal na lang habang hawak ng mahigpit ang seatbelt niya.
Umiling ako at natawa.
He changed the song in the stereo while humming, he was telling me about his race and how he won.
Ang gulo-gulo niya sa biyahe. Minsan ay nagkikwento, minsan nagyayabang sa princess scenario niya, nanghahalik, minsan ay kumakanta. Currently, he was screaming at the top of his lungs in the open window of the car.
Ang mga nakakasabay namin sa kalsada ay nagtitinginan.
Nasa point na akong takpan ang mukha at mag-deny na kilala ko ang katabi. I closed the window after he's done with one song.
Pouting, he looked at me.
"Bakit mo sinara, hun? 'Di ko pa tapos kantahan 'yong bata sa kabilang sasakyan."
"Itutulak na kita palabas," I threatened.
Naging mas mapaglaro ang tingin Niya.
Nope, I don't like this.
"Selosa naman ni misis ko, ayaw akong kinakantahan ang iba." He purred.
I rolled my eyes but then he focused all his attention at me. Marahas na akong umiling.
"No, don't—"
"Sige, ikaw na lang ang kakantahan ko." He cleared his throat and the hell on earth started, my eardrums are exploding when he started vocalizing.
He was just done singing the last word from his favorite Kitchie Nadal Medley when he look at me proudly.
"Galing ko kumanta, misis 'no? Ano gusto mong next na i-cover ko?"
"Bibig mo," I answered blankly.
Madrama siyang suminghap at napatakip ng bibig, nagkunwaring offended.
Before he could speak another word, pinaharurot ko ang sasakyan niya and he thinks he's a good driver? He still haven't seen my racing skills. Literal na dadalhin ka sa alapaap.
He cursed and held on the seatbelt for his dear life.
"Misis! Calm down!" He exclaimed, "gusto ko pa mabuhay—" his words got cut off when I cut in the line and because the road is clear, ang tulin ng patakbo ko.
I laughed evilly inside with his fear.
I suddenly craved for spicy chicken wings kaya pumarada muna kami sa nakitang restobar. Namumutla pa siya nang lumabas at kumukurap-kurap.
His knees wobbled. Hinawakan ko ang braso.
"Ano?" I beamed, "how's my racing skills, honey?"
Napahawak siya sa katawan, "Multo na ba 'ko? Buhay pa ba 'ko?"
"Fortunately, yes," I hummed. "Pero bilhan mo ako ng chicken wings! Gusto ko spicy!"
Sumulyap siya sa 'kin at lumambing ang mata, "gusto mo sa bahay na lang kita lutuan ng marami?"
I shook my head.
"Next time but...I'm really starving. I want spicy chicken wings pero gusto ko sila magluto pero ikaw maghahain tapos maglagay ng flavor."
Tumitig siya sa 'kin, nagtataka.
"How is it possible?" He asked, "it's not our restaurant, honey. How 'bout we go there? Ako ang magluluto. I'm not sure if we could do—"
My mood turned sour.
"Problema ko ba 'yon?" I hissed. Umawang ang labi niya.
"Misis—"
"Gutom na gutom na 'ko, gusto mo 'yon mamatay ako sa gutom?" I asked.
Mas namilog ang mata niya.
"Of course not!" Umiling siya. "Why would I?"
"Then, gawan mo ng paraan," kinamot ko ang pisngi. "Kapag wala 'di na ako kakain forever tapos mamamatay ako sa gutom tapos wala ka ng asawa. Kawawa ka naman."
He blinked at me.
"So...goodluck!" I beamed and walked happily towards the restobar. Sumunod siya sa akin na kakamot-kamot sa batok.
Bahala siya d'yan!
But of course, he's Zion Sandejas. He find ways.
Malaki ang ngiti ko habang pinapanuod siya sa may counter na kausap ang chef. I was moving my feet back and forth, the scent of grilled barbeque inside the place is so good.
Mag-take out kami mamaya para kay Twila.
I waited patiently and when he glanced my way and showed me an okay sign with a wink, I giggled.
Yehey! Chicken wings!
When he served my request on our table, I was smiling widely, my mouth salivating. Akala ko nga ay ayon lang pero pagkaupo niya sa tapat ko ay nawala ang kanta sa stereo and to my shock, the singer inside the resto spoke in the microphone.
"Good evening, we got a request from someone—tawagin na lang natin siyang Mr. Pogi."
My brows shot up and glanced at Zion. Sumipol siya at kumindat.
"And this song is dedicated to the love of his life, Tish." He finished.
Nag-init ang mukha ko nang magsimula ng tumugtog ang banda. I was expecting a romantic one but then drum started beating.
"This song is called Teeth," the vocalist introduced the song.
Some days, you're the only thing I know
Only thing that's burning when the nights grow cold
Can't look away, can't look away
Beg you to stay, beg you to stay, yeah
With every lyrics, I can't believe my ears. I was glaring and chuckling at the same time, mostly with the words: Don't know if you love me or you want me dead.
Because, accurate.
Sometimes, I want to kiss him, sometimes I just want to gut him alive.
Fight so dirty, but you love so sweet
Talk so pretty, but your heart got teeth
"Any drinks, Ma'am? Sir?"
"Juice for the lady, please," Zy answered the waiter.
"How about you, Sir?" He inquired.
Before he could answer, I raised my finger.
"Just water for my husband, please," I requested.
Nagtataka akong tinignan ni Zy.
"Because he likes...to beg?" Pahabol ko at napatakip sa bibig nang kumawala ang malakas na tawa sa pag-awang ng bibig ng asawa.
Some days, you're the best thing in my life
Sometimes when I look at you, I see my wife
Then you turn into somebody I don't know
And you push me away, push me away, yeah
"Misis..." bulong niya, "joke ba 'yon? Kasi, no offense pero 'di ako natawa."
Mas lalo lang akong natawa na napakamot na ng batok ang waiter at umalis.
"Nope, I don't joke, mister. I ordered water for you not just because you love "to beg", not to mention panulak na rin sa lahat ng mga salitang kinain mo."
Nahulog siya sa upuan habang nakatunganga sa 'kin.
Blood on my shirt, rose in my hand
You're looking at me like you don't know who I am
Blood on my shirt, heart in my hand
Still beating
Sinamyo ko ang amoy ng chicken wings at inabot ang utensils para simulan ang pagkain. He looked at me expectantly as I opened my mouth to have a taste.
Ngumanga rin siya kagaya ko. I tasted it, he watched me chew and swallow.
He waited expectantly, "so...?"
Muli akong ngumuya at tumikim. Masarap naman pero...
I pushed the plate back to him, "wala na 'ko gana, mister." Reklamo ko sa maliit na boses.
Nahulog ang balikat niya. Ngumuso ako at nag-peace sign.
"Sorry, mister. Nabusog na ako kakanuod sa 'yo. Hehe."
In the end, nag-take out na lang kami. Siya na ang nagmaneho this time at ako naman ang prinsesa hanggang sa makauwi kami.
He asked me to go inside first at kukunin pa raw niya ang laruan ng anak namin.
Anak namin...
Twinkle is our daughter and she knew for some time now, kaya daw minsan ay ayaw umalis sa bahay kahit sinusundo siya nina Tito Zeij. She said it was thrilling to know a secret we didn't know.
Feeling niya daw ay tunay siyang spy. Spy master daw si Papa Zeijan niya.
It was a funny night, I remembered Tito Zeijan running after Tita Alyx for the annulment papers. I know it was a joke but still, it's a fun sight to see. Lalo na at naaalala ko sa kanya si Zion na parang pinagbiyak na bunga ata sila.
When I got inside, it was noisy.
Nagtataka pa ako no'ng una pero 'yon na lang ang paglaki ng ngiti nang makitang narito pa ang buong pamilya ng asawa, si Clau at ang mga Kuya ko!
"Kuya!" I beamed happily and my heart jumped when they welcomed me with a tight embrace.
"How are you, kiddo?" Kuya Levi asked.
"Great! How 'bout you?"
"Fine," aniya. "Nakita namin ni Jay 'yong libingan na hinukay ng asawa mo. Nasaan na 'yon? Kulang pa 'yon, 'di pa six-feet under."
I was laughing as I pointed my husband, kakapasok lang at 'di pa ata nakikita ang mga kapatid ko.
He was carrying a semi-large barbie doll, kasing laki lang ata ng anak. Ang sa isang kamay niya ay pumpon ng bulaklak, isang malaki at maliit na bouquet.
I heard tiny footsteps tapping on the floor and then suddenly, a small bundle of sunshine raced towards Zion.
"Barbie!" She screamed loudly, hugging the box.
I smiled, inikot ni Twila ang tingin at nang magkatinginan kami ay mas nagliwanag ang mata niya.
"Mommy!" She beamed and my heart pounded when she hopped closer to me. Sinalubong ko siya ng yakap at mabilis na binuhat.
Tears pricked on my eyes.
Mommy...
I have a daughter. Nagkatinginan kami ni Zy. A wordless understanding passed through us.
We have a daughter, Zy.
He walked closer to us, pagkatapos akong yakapin ni Twinkle ay bumaling din siya kay Zy.
"Ang ganda naman ng mag-ina ko," he breathed, kissing Twila's cheek and my lips. "Here, for my girls."
He gave me the large bouquet and the mini one for Twinkle. My heart raced in satisfaction and glee.
I never thought days would really be better. Never thought there will come a day where we'll become a family.
I have a family...wow.
"Thank you, Daddy pangit!"
"What?" Zy's lips protruded. "Pangit pa rin si Daddy?"
His tone was playful but I guess he's still new to it. The Daddy one. Napapatawa siya sa salita, 'di pa rin makapaniwalang may anak siya.
"Hmm...okay po! Dahil bibili mo 'ko ng barbie and ng pwawers..."
"Flowers," we corrected.
"Pwawers!" She repeated, "dahil give mo 'ko po ng pwawers, pogi ikaw today!"
From my arm, lumipat siya kay Zion at ngumiti sabay halik sa pisngi nito.
"Love you po, pangit—ay, Daddy gwapo pala!" Humagikhik siya.
"I love you, too, bundat." He teased.
Tinusok niya ang bilbil ng anak na kita sa swimsuit na suot but when Twila's amber eyes sharpened, napailing na si Zy.
"I was kidding—"
"'Di na ikaw ulit pogi!" She squealed. "Pangit ikaw, pangit!" Sabay dakma niya sa buhok ng ama at sabunot.
Zion cried out loud.
"We should eat! Luto na ang pagkain!" Zirena called kaya nagpaalam ang mga kapatid ko na mauuna.
Nanatili ako para panoorin ang mag-ama ko.
Naramdaman ko ang pagtabi sa akin at hawak sa braso ko ni Tita Alyx.
"Aww, Zy was like that with Zeijan before," she sighed heavenly. "Silly how fast the time goes by. Ang panganay ko, may panganay na."
My heart swelled. I faced Tita and caught the tear forming on her eyes. Hinarap ko siya at nginitian.
"Tita, thank you for taking care of our Twila," I gratefully said. "Thank you f-for giving her a family, for...protecting her when I failed to."
"You didn't fail, anak," when Tito Zeijan appeared behind us, mas namuo lang ang luha sa mga mata ko.
"Tito..."
"You did everything to protect your child. Letting her go was painful yet the greatest thing you could've ever done during that time. Taking her to a safe place, being separated was hard. You didn't fail Twinkle, Bullet. You did what you have to as a loving mother."
Tita Alyx squeezed my hand.
"I'm so proud of you, darling. You did a great job." She assured.
Hindi ko inaasahan ang 'di napigilang luha nang kumawala sa mata ko. I sobbed loudly.
"I-I'm sorry po," embarrassed, I covered my face with my palm. "H-hindi naman po ako i-iyakin, masyado lang po talagang emosyonal n-nitong nakaraan. Sorry po."
"Oh, darling. You don't have to be sorry," Marahan akong inabot ni Tita Alyx para yakapin. Mas humagulgol ako. "Crying is normal, it does not make you weak."
"Thank you po," I sobbed. "Thank you f-for accepting me and my daughter in your family."
"You don't have to be accepted, Bullet. You've been a part of it ever since my son set his eyes on you." Tito said, "p'wedeng pasali sa hug?"
I laughed with tears in my eyes, opening a space and closed my eyes when Zion's parents embraced me like I'm their daughter.
"Thank you po, Tito, Tita."
"Ayan na naman, sabi ko sa 'yo, Dad na lang sa 'kin! Ito namang si Bullet parang others!" Tito—I mean Dad blurted.
"Okay po, Dad, Mom." Our laughters filled the air.
It was a get together for our families. Zion and mine.
Nasa pool ngayon si Zy kasama si Twila, tinuturuan na lumangoy ang anak na may dilaw pang floater sa magkabilang braso. Kuya Levi was with them, inuuto nila ang bulilit kung kanino lalangoy.
Kuya Levi was bribing her with new spy dolls. Zion was telling her he'd make her lumpia—with new recipes he created.
Nakasandal lang si Twila sa salbabida niyang shell at tinanggal ang shades.
"Teka lang po, nag-think pa ako," sabay hawak sa chin.
I chuckled, may yumakap sa tagiliran ko at napuno ng saya ang puso pagkakita kay Clau.
"Hello, Clau,"
"Hi, Bullet," she greeted. She was glowing.
Masaya ang mga mata niya at namumula. Niyakap ko siya pabalik bago inakay sa may mahabang upuan sa may gilid ng pool.
Everyone was busy eating and grilling, talking to each other. Even Clau's parents are here. Kausap nina Trece at Hawk sina Mom at Dad.
"How's your new home?" I asked.
"Great," she said. "My Mom and Dad are lovely people. Did you know they still preserved the room I had when I was a kid? I saw it, my photos when I was a little. Who would've thought? When we met each other, we were both lost. We're all Wyatt's puppets but now...hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala, Bullet."
"Same," bumuntonghininga ako. "I wasn't even expecting I still have a family, not to mention, a husband and a child."
"Twila..." her eyes twinkled, "Hindi pa rin talaga ako makapaniwala na anak mo ang cute na batang 'yan! It amazed me before because you two seems so close, obviously in love with each other kahit sa taon na nakilala kita 'di ka malapit sa mga bata."
"It just clicked, I guess," I smiled. "Lukso ng dugo?"
"Probably. It's fascinating how fate works." Bulong Niya, "who would expect Jayden will be your brother?"
Sabay na kaming natawa nang mahanap ng tingin si Jayden na nakaupo sa 'di kalayuan at ginigisa ni Hawk. He looked at us helplessly, Clau chuckled and showed him a thumbs up.
"They like him?" I asked.
"Of course, who wouldn't like Jay?" She asked but was caught off guard with my sudden grin. "O-Oh, I mean...well, are you fine with me for him? I'll respect—"
"You're kidding me, right?" I asked sharply. Natigalgal siya.
"H-huh?" She sounded so scared I wanted to laugh.
"You're seriously asking if I'm fine with you for my brother after I saw you two making out countless times?"
Mas namula siya. Nang napatili at napatakip sa mukha'y malakas na akong napatawa.
"Gosh, Clau, seriously?"
"N-nahihiya nga 'ko!" She hissed and covered her face, "kinwento ko pa sa 'yo lahat ng karumal-dumal na nangyari!"
"What about it? I'll happily listen to your sex life stories—but yeah, fine. H'wag mo na ulitin." Umiling ako at muntik nang sabuyan ng holy water ang mata pagkatapos malamang kapatid ko si Jay.
"What are you doing, girls? 'Di n'yo 'ko niligtas do'n," I smiled widely when Jayden appeared with drinks on his hand.
Inabot niya iyon sa amin. Hinalikan niya ang noo ko.
"Hello, sis," he greeted before tilting Clau's chin for a kiss.
"Kumusta?" Clau asked, "buhay ka pa?"
"He wanted to kill me," aniya. Napatawa kami bago siya hinila para maupo sa gitna naming dalawa.
"What?" Natatawang sabi ni Jay. Sinandal ko ang ulo sa balikat niya habang nakakapit ako sa braso niya. I think Clau was doing the same. "What's with you two?"
"Nothing. Bullet and I are just talking how happy are we for us. Na no'ng nagkakakilala tayo noong tatlo, wala tayong alam sa nakaraan natin. Na wala tayong pamilya tapos ngayon...I found my parents, you two are siblings. Na ngayon, masaya kasi may matatawag na tayong pamilya."
I closed my eyes tightly, feeling the fresh air brushing my skin.
"You're right," ani Jay. "All of this...wala 'to sa isip ko. I've started accepting the fact I'm alone without a family. Who would've thought this would happen? No one."
Natahimik kaming tatlo.
"What are you planning to do about Italy, Bullet?" He asked. Sinilip ko si Jay.
I shrugged, "don't know. Si Kuya ang nakikipag-usap sa reyna. I think he'd started negotiating for our House but I'm not sure. It's not like I'm interested to become a duchess or something."
"You won't?" They asked.
I shook my head.
"No, didn't even think of it. My family's here. My home is here." Sabay baling ko sa pool, sa mag-ama pero iba na ang nangyayari doon.
Twinkle and my brother was trying to drown my husband.
Tumayo ako.
"Hey!" I called out, "Twila Klein! Levi!"
The two pulled away guiltily. Umahon ang asawa kong umuubo pa.
I glanced at Twila.
"Pilit ako po ni Tito, Mommy! Sabi ko don't! Kasi bad 'yon tapos good girl ako po!" She exclaimed and pointed my brother, shaking his head.
"No, I didn't!" Agap niya, mukhang naipit sa sitwasyong 'di siya ang may gawa. "Si Twila nagsabi, sabi niya prank daw—"
"Kayong dalawa..." umakma akong bababa sa pool. Binuhat ni Kuya si Twinkle bago nagsisigawang lumangoy palayo, iniwan ang asawa kong nagpalutang na, nagpapanggap na patay.
I feel so contented now but I know it won't be for too long.
While my brothers and Zy are discussing about the grave he dug, kausap ko naman sina Mom and Dad tungkol kay Wyatt. We were in the table, the kids are inside, playing with their cousins.
"He knows we're moving," ani Dad. "One wrong move and we won't be able to catch the prick. I was certain he'd join the event the president mentioned. It was his only chance to attempt and climb the ladder again. Maybe try getting new associates to restart his damned agency."
"We'd have to go back to square one," Mom discussed. "If Bullet and Zy went to the event themselves, Wyatt would found out."
"How do we do this, Mom?" I asked. "As much as possible, I—we wanted to help," bumaling ako kay Clau at Jay na tumango.
"My daughter and I will handle the security cameras," ani Trece. "Hawk and Jay could stop his back ups and securities from coming in."
Hawk nodded.
"Zeij and I will go inside instead," ani Tito. "Instead of you and Zy, we will face the crowd that night. That way, you and Zy could sneak in. Hindi kaagad matutunugan ni Wyatt dahil nando'n kami. What do you think?"
Tumango ako.
"Yes, we could work together," I agreed. "You'll look for Wyatt in the crowd with us from the insides."
"You can always get in the party proper after," Dad explained. "I knew people in the kitchen, that's where you and Zy would sneak in weapons. In the event, we will only target Wyatt and stopped his goons. Nothing else. We have civilians at risk."
"But that would be a week from now," Mom explained. "Maraming p'wedeng magbago. Our plan was great but we have to take measures. We needed to have plan A and B."
"We'll raid Wyatt's vacation house," sabay-sabay kaming naglingunan sa tatlong lalaki.
My husband with my brothers. Mukhang katatapos lang ng awayan nila sa libingan at thankfully, wala namang nalibing ng buhay sa kanilang tatlo.
"What do you propose?" I asked.
"H'wag muna ngayon, misis," bumaling siya sa mga kapatid. "Kakabati lang naming tatlo, baka malibing ako kaagad bago pa tayo makapagtanan."
Nahulog ang balikat ko. Nagtawanan sila sa table. Mom and I shook our heads.
"She meant the plan, Zion," Mom explained, "what do you think? Why should we raid his house?"
"We finished every warehouse and HQs we know of aside from his private property we just discovered today. We are not sure if he was still there but worth a try, right? If his goons are gone, I don't think he would think twice before going to the event." He said. "He'll be desperate for alliance. Kung inubos na natin sa lahat, wala siyang magiging choice kung hindi maghanap na naman ng makakasama. He's pissed at DEA—but a lot of people are, including the politicians and public figures in the event."
"Sigurado akong may papatol sa offer niya," Kuya Levi agreed.
"Oh...'di ba, Kuya?" Zy's face brightened. "Agree ka na sa 'kin—"
"Shut up, ang sakit mo sa tainga," he covered his mouth.
I smiled.
Ayos na sila.
We planned on raiding his private property tomorrow night. Wala man siya doon pero kapag nalaman niyang naubos na namin ang mga tauhan niya'y maiipit siya.
Kasama ako sa usapan hanggang sa pumunta sa akin ang anak para magpabuhat, she said she was sleepy and I had to go leave first.
Tumayo din si Zy.
"We're fine," I told him, "you can stay—"
"I'm going with you two," he presented before glancing at our families. "I'll have to go first. I'll be back in a while, papatulugin ko lang ang mag-ina ko."
It warmed my heart.
Itinago ko ang mukha sa pamamagitan ng pag-iwas ng tingin para 'di niya makita ang pagtutubig nito.
He placed his palm on my waist, cuddling the both of us while going up the stairs.
My little family.
Dumungaw si Twinkle sa balikat ko para sulyapan ang Daddy niya.
"Daddy, one plus one?" She asked.
"Magellan," sagot ng asawa. Hinarap ko siya. He winked at me playfully.
"Duh! Mali! Two kaya! 'Di ka ba nag-aaral sa school?" Twila asked. I laughed.
"Nag-aaral naman, bundat," aniya. "Favorite subject ko nga recess."
I was about to snap at his silliness when Twila gasped loudly.
"OMG! Same!" She giggled, "kapag po sa study dito sa house, I'm hashtag sad. Kapag recess, hashtag happy!"
Nagtawanan ang dalawa na parang dugtong ang mga pusod nila.
No doubt. No DNA tests are needed. Mag-ama nga ang dalawang 'to.
Nagpresinta si Zy na siya ang mag-aasikaso kay Twila sa kama habang naliligo ako. Tapos na kasi silang maligo pagkatapos mag-swimming at ako na lang.
I went to the shower, dried my hair and when I got out, the two of them with Meow-meow are on the bed.
Naghaharutan silang tatlo. I smiled sweetly.
My family.
"Basa na tayo ng story, bundat," ani Zy. "Masakit na ang anit ni Daddy kakasabunot mo, gusto mo ba 'yon panot na ako?"
"Opo," she answered happily.
Natawa ako sa kanila. Sabay silang nag-angat ng tingin.
"Mommy!" They blurted in unison.
I hopped to the bed, kissed Zion, Twila and embraced the cat before cuddling. Inihiga ko ang anak sa braso at nakinig sa kwentong kabisado ko na mula sa paboritong story book ng anak.
Maybe I was too exhausted that instead of waiting for my daughter to fell asleep. Nakatulog na rin ako.
I jolted when I woke up suddenly in the middle of my sleep. I opened my eyes a little and in the blurry gaps of my eyelids, saw my husband watching me and his daughter.
He was just sitting at the other side of the bed, just staring. In his eyes, I could see the fear, the lone sadness in it. The regret.
Then, he looked away and brushed his hair with his fingers.
I pretended to be sleeping when I heard his movements.
"I'm sorry," he said in a low voice. "Sorry, Tish, Twila. Mahina ang D-Daddy,"
When his voice broke, my heart shattered more.
This was what's bothering him. The reason why I felt like he's somehow dissociating.
I heard his sniff, kasabay no'n ay ang pakiramdam nang tumayo siya sa kama at umalis sa tabi namin.
Worried, I opened my eyes widely to look for him but only saw the door to the terrace closing. i waited for a few minutes.
Unti-unti'y inilipat ko sa unan ang anak na yakap-yakap ang paboritong bunny niyang laruan na...galing pala sa amin. Regalo ng Daddy niya sa amin.
I stared at her closely, how genuine she looks while sleeping. Nakaawang ang labi niya at parang ang liit-liit sa size ng kama.
We were like this, too, when I first held her in my arms.
"Thank you for being so strong, my brave darling," I whispered and kissed her forehead. "Sleep well, little star."
Inayos ko ang comforter sa katawan niya bago hinaplos ang balahibo ni Meow-meow na natutulog sa kanyang paahan.
"Take care of our Twila first, Meow," I requested. "I'll talk to your Dad first."
Walang ingay akong naglakad patungo sa kanya. I sneakily opened the sliding door and saw him leaning in the barricade.
Wala siyang pang-itaas, tanging ang suot na pajamas ang suot at tsinelas. I could see the perfect swirls of his tattoos and in his hand, I noticed a can of beer.
I walked closer and hugged him from behind. He stilled.
"Tish?"
"Hi, honey," I greeted and buried my face on his back. "What's the matter? Bakit mag-isa ka rito, gabi na, ah?"
I felt his palm reaching for mine on his stomach. Hinaplos niya ang balat ko at humugot ng hininga.
"What's the matter, baby?" I asked again, "talk to me."
His shoulder's still stiff. Hindi siya kaagad umimik. Narinig ko ang pag-inom niya ng alak bago muling nilaro ang kamay ko.
"Nothing?"
"Nothing?" Marahan kong tanong, "it wasn't nothing when you're on in the dark alone and drinking instead of sleeping with us. It wasn't nothing when you even attempted to smoke. You are stress."
I felt the slight tremble from his grip but I didn't say anything.
"Zy?" Lambing ko, "you can always talk to me, right? 'Yan ang palagi nating sinasabi sa isa't-isa. You can tell me."
When I heard the sharp inhale and the sudden soft sniff, lumayo na ako at pinihit ang braso niya paharap sa akin. Isinandal ko siya sa barricade at mas lalong nadurog nang malinaw na makita ang pamumula ng mata niya.
"You're crying,"
Tumango siya at hinawi ang luha, "sorry, hun. I was just—nothing, pagod lang ako—"
I tiptoed and kissed his tears away. Ibinaba ko ang kamay niya sa mukha at dinala iyon sa labi ko.
"It's not your fault," I hummed.
"You were alone," panimula niya at nahihiyang nahulog ang tingin. "When you're pregnant with our child, you w-were alone."
"Zy..."
"N-nahihiya ako sa inyo," bulong niya. "Nahihiya na w-wala ako sa tabi n'yo no'ng kailangan n'yo ng ama. Nahihiya na w-wala ako kapag gusto mong kumain ng paborito mo. Nahihiya n-na hindi man lang kita nabigyan ng magandang buhay."
Hinawi ko ang luhang sunod-sunod na nahulog.
"W-when I'm in the comfort of my soft bed, you were in the cage with our baby," bulong niya. "Ang sakit dito, misis. Ang s-sakit-sakit. Galit na galit ako." He pointed his chest.
I cupped his cheek, "Zy, look at me. Baby, please?"
"T-Twila...she was so tiny when we got her. She was a survivor, Tish. Her pediatrician said she's malnourished, m-madalas kami sa ospital no'ng maliit siya kasi palagi siyang nagkakasakit. S-she was sensitive with foods kaya ingat na ingat kami. She has ADHD. S-she..."
"Shh..." I tapped his cheek. "Look at me."
Muli siyang umiling.
"You gave birth alone in a bathroom. Y-you didn't even know you're pregnant. Instead of me spoiling you with foods, w-wala ako. Paano kung naubusan ka ng dugo? W-what if they found out about you and Twila? I didn't even dare looking after the toy Twinkle had, Tish!"
"What do you mean?" Marahang tanong ko.
"I know it was familiar, but..." umiling siya. "Nasa utak ko marami namang laruang ganyan kaya impossible. Hindi ko na masyadong inisip, Tish. Kung sana mas naghinala ako, mas inisip ko, baka mas nahanap kita ng maaga. S-sana 'di ka nawala sa 'kin."
When he sobbed helplessly, I wrapped my arms around his nape and pulled him close to mine. He cried like a lost boy, his palm fisting my clothes.
"Wala 'kong kwentang ama, Tish. W-wala 'kong kwentang asawa." He cried, his voice shaking and stuttering.
"Don't say that,"
"W-wala ako no'ng kailangan mo 'ko. P-palagi na lang akong wala. Palagi ko na lang napapahamak ang mga mahal ko. Ang mga kapatid ko, mga magulang...pati ba naman ang mag-ina ko?"
I shut my eyes and let him cry his heart out. In the silence of the night, he was the storm and he told me everything. His frustrations, his anger, his pain.
He'd let me hold and take care of his heart again. I listened until I convinced him to sit. Naupo ako sa hita niya paharap at pinapanuod siyang nagsasalita.
Nakaalalay siya sa baywang ko. Inaaalis ko ang luha sa pisngi niya at paulit-ulit na hinalikan ang noo niya.
"I'm mad, too. Enraged." I told him, "I understand your frustrations, honey. I was robbed of being a wife to you and a mother to our child. I was mad I had to withstand that torture. I was mad with the circumstances but we couldn't take back what already happened in the past."
"I know," isinandal niya ang noo sa balikat ko. "That's why I couldn't go to the therapy with Dei, baka wala na akong masabi kung hindi ang gusto kong pumatay."
I smiled, "I'm sure he's pretty aware of that. I ranted about the ways I wanted to take the old fart's life."
"Old fart?" Sinilip niya 'ko.
"Matandang utot," I explained.
Humagalpak siya. I grinned and pinched his cheek.
"There's my Zion," hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya. "He knew about it, it's not a secret from him what you do, right?"
He nodded.
"Yes but," he sniffed. "Anong sasabihin no'n kung sasabihin ko: Sorry, Dei. I will forever choose revenge, I'll heal in hell."
I grinned, "that's what most people say, honey, but are we included to most people?"
Curiosity flashed his blue eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"Most people don't get turn on with the thoughts of killing. Most people wouldn't have a hard on with a knife on their throat." Inangat ko ang daliri at pinaraan sa leeg niya.
He shifted on his seat. He let out a soft groan.
"Most people definitely don't moan with the thought of guns and knives, honey,"
"I'm only turned on if it's from you," I felt his hand moving around the sofa and to my shock, he managed to retrieve a Glock to point it under my chin.
"Damn you, Zy!" I whined. "Wala akong dalang kutsilyo!"
He laughed. Ibinaba niya ang bibig ng baril sa dibdib ko. I moaned when I felt my nipples hardened with the gun's mouth teasing it.
"Sorry, honey, I won."
Nagkatitigan kami. Ninakaw ko ang panali niya at inulusot sa pulsuhan bago inilapit ang bibig sa tainga niya.
"We're the kind where...healing comes next, we'll have our sweet revenge first."
He chuckled. He lowered the gun before pulling me close to give me a deep and wet kiss.
"You know what, Scythe? I fucking love you," he breathed on my lips.
"Yup," I kissed him back.
"Walang I love you too?" He asked hopefully. I just winked and slowly pulled the strap of my clothes down.
Nahulog ang tingin niya sa dibdib ko bago napalunok.
"Pst, mister," lost, he lifted his gaze at me. "Wanna fuck?"
And the next thing I know, we were banging each other in the damn terrace with his large palm covering my mouth to suppress my moans.
The plot from our sweet revenge started first thing in the morning. We have told our daughter we had some spy assignments to do at pinabaunan pa niya kami ng mga laruan niyang baril para daw makatulong.
We took her to Sibyl's house, added more guards around to watch over them before leaving.
I am riding Zion.
The bike one.
Kanina pa nagrereklamo ang asawa dahil p'wede ko naman daw sakyan ang Zion na siya pero pinili ko ang isa. Ang dami ko na raw lalaki, pagod na siya makipagtalo kay Franklin.
Nilingon ko ang asawa na nasa itim na sports car niya. My grip on the bike he replaced it was almost brand new tightened.
"Honey, wanna race?!" I screamed.
Nilingon ako ni Zy mula sa sasakyan at umigting ang panga.
"No, Bevurleigh Leticia!"
"It's night, walang tao sa kalsada. Why not?!" Hamon ko.
"I know you're pretty bike's working again but—"
"Catch me! If you do, I'll let you fuck me in the ass!" I teased.
Umawang ang labi niya at muntik pang lumihis ang sasakyan.
"What the fuck—"
"At three! Game in one, two!" Sigaw ko bago pinaharurot ang motor.
"Bevurleigh Leticia—damn it! Madaya, wala pa ngang three!" He whined.
Yet, of course, he didn't win. Nakasimangot siya sa akin nang maabutan.
I smiled.
"What? Talo ka?" I asked.
He cupped my butt and pulled me close for a deep kiss.
"You're sexy you know that?" He spanked my butt and kissed my throat.
"I know, kaya ka nga patay na patay sa 'kin, 'di ba?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
"Damn confidence," muli niya akong hinalikan. "Ang ganda-ganda mo. I love you. When kaya ang I love you, too, ko?"
"Kapag natuwa na 'ko sa 'yo," I shrugged. "Pag-iisipan ko muna, parang medyo crush pa lang kasi kita."
With the go signal from Clau and Trece, we got inside Wyatt's vacation house.
I'm wearing a black tank top, leather pants and boots, my blonde hair on a high ponytail. Meanwhile, my husband's in a black shirt, cargo pants and boots. His hair's in a messy bun, ang mga nakatakas na hibla ay nahulog sa may sentido.
Our riffle was strapped on our bodies with the ammo and after he climbed in and opened the back door for me, inangat namin ang baril.
"Clear," I confirmed.
"Clear," he confirmed.
Narinig ko ang yapak ng iilang tauhan na sinama namin. Kuya Levi and Jayden nodded at me, saying be careful at nang mauna na kaming pumasok ni Zy ay nagkalat sila sa labas, walang ingay.
We saw a guard sleepily stationed outside the house.
Sumenyas ang asawa na siya ang kaliwa at akin ang kanan kaya dahan-dahan kaming nagtungo sa pwesto. I silently lowered my gun, went behind the guard and snapped his head.
His neck clicked. Sinalo ko ang lalaki at nang balingan ang asawa ay gano'n na rin ang ginawa niya. Hinila ko ang guard paalis sa daan bago muling inangat ang riffle para pumasok.
Most men if not drunk, are sleeping. I have noticed girls on their laps, some looks drunk and in pain.
My jaw clenched.
I signaled at my husband before we pointed guns at the conscious one's head. Napasinghap ang mga babae pagkakita sa amin bago dagli-dagling hinagilap ang mga damit nila.
"DEA," pakilala ni Zy sa mga babae. "We won't harm you, you could go. May pulis sa labas."
The girls bowed, the look of hope filling on their eyes as they retrieved their clothes. Most of them are young adults if not underage.
Nanginig ang kamay ko.
Fuckers.
What have they done to these girls?
Hindi na ako nakapagpigil. Nang mawala ang mga babae sa paningin ay kinuha ko ang kutsilyo at ginilitan ang lalaki sa harapan ko.
He screamed and choked on his blood, making the other men conscious at 'di na kami kailangang mag-usap ni Zy. Like me, he was seething in anger and we had our own blood bath killing this dicks painfully.
After the pain they had caused these girls? A quick death will be mercy and I? I don't show mercy.
Nagkahiwalay kami ng asawa nang nakapasok sina Jay at nakita ang kagagawan naming mag-asawa.
"Damn," Kuya Levi cursed, "you two are unhinged."
Zion smirked, streaks of blood from the dead demons is on his arm.
"That's what happens if you give Reaper his weapon," sabay sulyap niya sa 'kin.
"That's Scythe, it's me," I beamed.
We have cleared the first floor and no sign of Wyatt kaya nagtungo kami sa huli at ikalawang floor. My brother had seized the guards outside.
"Dito ako," paalam ko sa asawa, tinutukoy ang pasilyo sa kanan.
"I'll come with you,"
"Nope," I kissed his cheek. "I can do it. Take the right side para mas mabilis. Be careful, honey."
"Careful, too," hinalikan niya ang labi ko. "I love you."
Sumimangot siya nang 'di ko sinagot.
"Alam mo wish ko sa pasko? I love you mo,"
"Ah, okay. Sa pasko mo na maririnig."
Pinanuod ko siyang ibinabalik ang hawak sa riffle. Tumaas ang sleeve ng shirt niya sa ginawang iyon kaya nakita ko na naman ang tattoos sa braso.
I whistled. Damn, sexy guns.
Nilingon ako ng asawa na natigil sa pagsipol ko.
He smiled sexily, "too bad I lost, huh? Can't fuck you in the ass?"
"Fuck you, Sandejas," I drawled.
"Next time, Sandejas. Binatang Filipino kasi 'ko."
He left before I could even shoot him with the gun. Diretso ang lakad ko at sinilip ang mga kwarto para tignan kung may tao pero wala.
Tauhan lang ata niya ang nandito?
In the last room, I heard the creaking of the bed and a soft cry. I tensed.
I gripped the gun tighter and kicked the door open, only to see a woman on the bed, crying. Above her was a man.
I pointed the gun on his head, nagulat siya at natigilan.
"Let her go," I commanded coldly.
"Who are you—"
"I said let her go before I shoot your brainless head!"
Nagmura siya, unti-unting tumayo mula sa kama at itinaas ang kamay niya.
"M-miss..."
"Take the comforter, go!" Utos ko, "there are police outside, you'll be safe, Miss."
"H-huh?" She still looks so lost and confused.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"N-nahihilo po..."
"I'm from DEA," pakilala ko at inalalayan na siya patayo sa kama. While still pointing the gun on his direction, I helped the girl wrap the comforter around her naked body.
"Miss..."
"Come on," hinawakan ko siya at umatras, itinatago siya sa likod ko habang tinititigan ang lalaki. He looks fucking familiar.
Ngumisi siya, "hi, Scythe."
Then, I realized. It was Wyatt's fucking nephew. The fucking pervert who groped me.
The man I stabbed in the palm.
What's his name...J? Joey?
"Hello, Joey,"
"Joe," he corrected.
"Oh...Joey, thanks for the correction." I smirked.
Inihatid ko ang babae sa may pintuan pero hinawakan niya ang braso ko.
"Miss," she was trembling. "N-natatakot ako..."
My throat tightened. Hinarap ko siya.
"It's gonna be okay," I assured. "Bumaba ka, sa labas may mga makikita kang tao. Look for Levi, he'll take care of you, I promise."
"L-Levi?" She trembled.
"Yes, Levi," I explained. "He'll protect you. Go."
"Paano ka?"
"I'm fine," I assured, "go!"
I watched her running to the stairs that I haven't notice the dickhead Joey got closer to me. Tinulak niya ako.
Sa pagkakabigla ay tumama ako sa pintuan pero kung akala niya'y basta-basta na lang niya 'kong maiisahan? Nagkakamali siya.
Umikot ako at nakita siyang inaambahan ako ng saksak. He tried stabbing but I was quick. Sinipa ko ang hita niya niya kasabay ng pagpilipit sa kamay niya.
He cursed.
"Fuck!"
"Hindi ka pa rin nadala, Joey?" Malamig kong tanong at sinipa siya papunta sa lamesa. I glanced at his palm, magaling na pero kitang-kita ang peklat doon.
"How's the palm, Joey?"
"Joe!" Sigaw niya. "Tang ina ka! Kung gusto mo ring sumali, sana nagsabi ka na lang! Pagbibigyan naman kita!"
"Pagbibigyan ng ano?" I asked. "Wala akong makita."
Galit niya akong binalingan.
"Anong sinasabi mo, anong wala—"
"Oh, that?" I glanced under his abdomen. "You call that a dick?"
"Putang ina ka!" He swung his other hand to try and hit me but I was quick.
I slammed his other hand attacking me on the table and without a word, I repeated what I did before. I stabbed his palm, the other one. Tumagos ang talim ng kutsilyo sa lamesa.
His excruciating scream filled my ears.
I smiled, "there! Pantay na sila ng isang kamay mo! Wasn't this fun?!"
"Baliw!" Sigaw niya, umiiyak niya. Naaaliw kong pinanuod ang pagsasalo ng luha at laway niya kakasigaw. "Baliw! May sakit ka sa utak! Putang ina ka!"
"You think so, doc?" I mocked. "In that case, tell me, am I hallucinating seeing your micro dick?"
"Gago ka! Puta! Tang ina mo!"
Nahuli ko siyang inaaabot ang nahulog kong patalim sa lapag. He slashed it in the air and it was sudden my skin got slashed.
It didn't startle me. It only pissed me off.
Tinignan ko ang balikat at ang dugo dahil sa ginawa niya.
He laughed maniacally.
"You are fucking deranged, Bullet! Wala kang mapapala kakakalaban kay Wyatt! You were just a puppet—"
I wordlessly stabbed his dick.
Nabasag ang tainga ko sa sigaw niya at iyak.
"And you are just a dick," I mused and played with the knife on my fingers. I stabbed him on the chest.
Mas umiyak siya at sumigaw.
"And what?" I asked, "I'm just a puppet? No, Joey...I'm Scythe."
Then, I stabbed him again and again, his screams of pain music to my ears.
After I had my time with him, I smiled with satisfaction. He obviously didn't know where his uncle was hiding and I had no plans of keeping him so I waited as he painfully loss blood with multiple stab wounds.
Tumayo ako at pinunasan ang mukha ng braso para alisin ang dugong tumalsik sa akin mula sa kanya nang marinig ko ang mabilis na yapak ng mga paa.
Nasalubong ng tingin ko ang asawa, kagaya ko ay mas magulo na ang buhok at pulos pula ang nasa braso.
"Tish!" He called, "are you fine?!"
"Yes," I smiled at him, walking closer. "You?"
Tumango siya.
"No Wyatt on sight,"
"Here either," sabay baling ko sa lalaki sa lapag. In on all his glory, butt naked and pooling on his own blood.
"Let's go home?" Anyaya niya. "Our daughter's waiting for us."
Home, our daughter.
Excitedly, I nodded.
"Let's go home—" my ears rang when I heard a gun firing and in a blink of an eye, my husband's kneeling on the ground with one of Wyatt's men—Bernard—behind him, a gun on his hand.
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