Kabanata 30 (Part Two)
Hi, Archers! This is Shattered Bullet's last chapter! Thank you so much for your love and patience! Sorry this took a while but this is the longest (so far) chapter from the book. I hope you loved and enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you, Archers!
Warning: This chapter contains gore, torture and graphic violence. Sensitive topics will be discussed. Read with caution.
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Kabanata 30 (Part Two)
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
BULLET
I'm getting married, again.
To the same man. For the third time with the man I love.
The safety pin was obviously larger than my finger but I couldn't take my eyes off it. Nakaupo ako sa likuran ng bukas na ambulansya habang ang asawa ko'y tumutulong sa team para dalhin ang mga kasamahan ni Wyatt sa pulisya.
Well...excluding that damn old hag.
He's dead to the police now. He died in explosion.
Pinanuod ko ang asawang kausap si Locket Dmitrov, nakapamulsa at pareho silang seryoso. I am sure Locket knew what was the real score about Wyatt Anderson and the DEA, he didn't interfere.
Who had the heart to interrupt, anyway? You may and may not be a part of men in law and justice, but as a citizen you'd also feel how unjust justice was.
For someone as disgusting and evil as Wyatt who had tortured, killed, trafficked drugs, weapons, women and kids? Jail time wasn't enough.
People with connections like him may have had the chance to treat jail as some sort of vacation. I know people like that. Ang purpose ng pagkakakulong ay para matuto at malaman nila ang ginawang mali. It was a way to reflect, to get punished but what?
For what I knew, those idiots are having the time of their lives in jail creating gangs of their own, nakakahawak pa ng droga at mga ipinagbabawal na gamit sa loob. Ginagawang tauhan ang mga pulis na dapat ay ang naniniguradong nadidisiplina sila kapalit ng salapi.
Jail time serves as a punishment, not a lavish vacation in a secluded area.
I'm sure Locket Dmitrov knew. Nagkatinginan kami, tumango siya sa akin bago naglakad palayo. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin nang sinalubong ng pinsan ni Zion.
Crest Sandejas.
They liked teasing her with that...what is it? Oh, Book Joo something? It's because of her bangs.
Tumitig ako sa magandang babae na ngumisi at yumakap sa pulis na may binulong sa kanya bago yumakap pabalik.
She is beautiful and her bangs suits her so well. Hindi naman na sobrang ikli kagaya no'ng huling kita ko sa kanya pero kahit naman noon o ngayon ay bagay sa kanya ang bangs.
Well, if I had that half bangs...mukha siguro akong bao?
I cringed with the thought, only stopping when I felt a hard kiss on my cheek.
"How's my fiancèe?"
Smiling, umusog ako nang tumabi sa akin ang asawa at yumakap sa aking tagiliran.
"Fiancèe? Asawa na dapat." Sinulyapan ko siya na nagsumiksik sa balikat ko.
"Nah, I'd still marry you again. Fiancèe muna ulit para kiligin akong ikakasal ako ulit sa 'yo."
Kinagat ko ang labi ko para pigilan ang ngiti.
To be married in the same person thrice was a dream. To think na nawalan pa kami ng pagkakakilanlan sa isa't-isa.
I don't believe much in fairytales but if you are married to Zion Sandejas? It felt like I came straight out of it.
I heard his loud sigh. Inabot ko ang buhok niya para haplusin. I tried stopping myself from taking off his ponytail.
He's exhausted, I am sure.
"Where's the old fart?"
"With Will," aniya. "Kuya Levi and Jay was following them, transporting him where that fucking Bernard was."
"He's still alive, wasn't he?"
"Hmm," he hummed. "Matagal mamatay ang masamang damo, Tish."
"And we'll take advantage of those dirty and evil grass for some time, honey," excited kong sinabi.
He chuckled.
"Did you plan it out?"
"Obviously, I dreamt of killing him for a long time now, honey. Sa lahat ba naman ng ginawa niya? He took me away from my family, hurt your family, you. He even had the guts to hurt our daughter. Instant death was mercy for him. Death don't give mercy, right?"
"Yup..." he kissed my shoulder, "we're death, honey. We don't give mercy."
Touching my ring, I looked around to look where my daughter went. Kanina ay kasama ko lang 'yon pero nakita ang Mama Alyx kaya nag-ikot kasama niya.
"Mommy! Daddy!" She appeared and bounced forward.
I waved.
"Careful, darling!"
"Kikita ko po si Mama Alyx po atsaka si Papa Pogi na ilalagay ang bad guys sa car po ni Tito El-tea Padlock!"
El-tea Padlock?
I glanced at Zy, confused.
Who's El-tea Padlock?
"Ah, si Locket lang 'yon, misis." Humalakhak siya, "si Dad nagpasimula pang-asar kay Book Joo. You know, kampon ni Zeijan things..."
Napatango-tango ako at nakinig sa anak na nagkikwento, aliw na aliw sa tawag nila kay Locket. Ang tahimik at seryosong Locket ay pinagkakatuwaan ng pamilya.
He seems fine with it. Nagtatawanan pa sila sa sinasabi ni Dad sa kanila ni Crest na nakasuot pa ng mamahaling dress at heels ngayon kahit lumulubog na ang takong sa putikang bahagi ng daan.
This family is unique, in a good way. They had this warmth you'd never feel left out. When I was with them, I felt like I belong.
Sa ancestral t'wing may mga get together sila, palagi akong included kahit pa sikreto at para lang sa misyon ang kasal namin ni Zy no'ng una. They shared popcorns with me, stories kahit madalas ay tagatawa lang ako at nakikinig sa kulitan nila.
Crest even told me a secret, kung saan niya nakukuha ang pirated movies niya without the ads. Locket overheard it and took her away with cuffs on her wrist. Umugong ang tawanan sa loob ng theater room.
They are the type where they are used to laugh at corny and dry jokes. Minsan nga 'di mo sigurado if funny talaga o nakikisakay na lang para 'di masaktan ang nagbibiro pero damang-dama ko ang pagmamahal.
If home and love was a person—it was the Sandejas'.
It made me longed for a family and to think I had one, with my brothers, friends and extended family. Ang swerte-swerte ko.
It was a dream. To be a part of them. To be included.
Sa saglit na panahon, nakausap ko si Sir Jer. Nakilala ko si Ma'am Lena at sa pagmamahal ng dalawang iyon? Hindi na nakakagulat na ganito kagandang pamilya ang nabuo nila.
They said for a fruitful tree to grow, you should start taking care of the roots first. It must be deeply rooted, planted and cherished so the whole tree could withstand any storm that comes along the way.
Humiwalay ako sa asawa para abutin ang anak sana pero ayaw magpabuhat at tuloy-tuloy ang kwento. Wala na atang putol. Parang ako ang hinihingal sa kanya.
"Twila Klein, hinga..." I called.
She stopped blabbering and lifted her hand to focus.
"Bundat, follow Daddy. Inhale..." they both inhaled, "exhale..."
She followed and they repeated it for a few times until she calmed down.
"Ayan, kalma lang, anak. Baka mamaya maubos ang hangin sa t'yan mo, edi 'di ka na bundat n'yan?" He asked.
I stopped them before it could even lead to a childish fight.
Binuhat ko si Twila at naupo kami sa may bench. Sumunod din ang asawa na pinanuod si Twila na hinahalukay na naman ang bag niyang dala.
She's restless. Punong-puno ng energy. Nanahimik lang siya kapag gutom.
"Yehey! Finally! Eat na ako ng last lumpia ko!" She chirped. "Kasi...'yong isa d'yan kakain ang lumpia na 'di naman para sa kanyaaa!"
I bit back a smile as she took her pink sunglasses and wore it above her head.
"Hala siya, oh? Ikaw nga sumubo sa 'kin ng buo bakit kasalanan ko?"
"Kasi! Scared ikaw!" She made faces. "Kung 'di ikaw scared po edi 'di panic si Twinkle. Edi ang lumpia kay Twinkle! Hindi kay pangit!"
"Hindi—" I pushed Zy's face and gave him a 'h'wag kang makipag-away, bata 'yan!' look. He looks so defeated, making pouty faces at me.
Ang gwapo. Tang ina, ang sarap laplapin.
I pressed my eyes closed.
Why the hell I'm so fucking horny?
Sa pagtahimik ng Daddy ay siyang pagkabuhay ng anak niya. Tumayo pa si Twila para pa mang-inggit sa ama.
"Twila," I called. "Stop playing and eat. Pag-uwi sa bahay maliligo ka at matutulog, ah? Wala kang tulog buong gabi."
"Nag-sleep ako po ng three hours!" She showed me her three chubby fingers. Ang sarap kagatin.
"Kahit na, 'di tulog ng mga bundat 'yan," ani ng ama niya na kung 'di sasapakin, 'di matatahimik.
"And so...?" She asked, "at least may lumpia ako! Smell mo nga...hmm! Yummy, 'di ba po? Wala ikaw n'yan!" She giggled, dancing in front of us with her only piece of lumpia.
Sa malayo ay nanunuod si Dad at Mom. Mom winked at me with Dad resting his head on her shoulder, watching.
Kumaway ako. They waved back at me.
My heart calmed down.
I also gained parents...
"Tabi! Putang ina, bitawan n'yo 'ko! 'Di ako kasali d'yan!" Policemen walked closer with a familiar man on their grips.
That man who almost caught my daughter tiptoeing!
"Twila—" before I could even finish my words, they got in front of my daughter.
"Harang-harang! Tabi!" The asshole hissed, natulak ang anak ko kaya natumba siya paupo at nahulog ang lumpia.
My jaw ticked.
Fucking asshole?!
"Hoy!" Hinatak siya ng pulis paalis pero ang mata ng lalaki ay nasa anak kong nakatitig sa lumpia niyang gumulong sa lupa. Nagdidilim na ang tingin at umaawang ang bibig.
"Oh, ikaw 'yong Chaka doll!" He exclaimed.
I was about to stand when my husband pulled me by my wrist and shook his head.
"Your daughter—"
"Watch..." aniya kaya nagtataka kong sinunod at nakita ang pagtayo ng anak at pamaywang sa lalaking mas malaki pa sa kanya na hawak ng pulis.
The tension filled the place and my heart raced.
Don't tell me...oh, shit!
"Sinipa mo ang lumpia ko, bad guyyy!" She screamed. Loudly. Sumakit ang tainga ko sa tinis ng sigaw niya.
"Ano, Chaka doll ka—"
"Hindi! Ako! Chaka Doll! Ako si Agent Twinkle Star! Kung Fu Master! Flat iyang bird mo sa 'kin! Hiyaaah!" She twirled like how they are training in her ballerina class, lifting her leg and bull's eye! She kicked the asshole's crotch.
"Ohhh!" Everyone watching in the crowd gasped and made an aching sound as the asshole jumped up and down, trying to touch his crotch.
Natahimik sila at napatitig sa anak ko na napansing lahat sila ay nakatingin sa kanya. She lowered her feet, lowered her sunglasses to her eyes before bowing like a princess.
"Anak ko 'yan!" Zy exclaimed proudly.
"Ohhh!" They all screamed and I burst out laughing when Zy carried our daughter bago inikot sa mga kasamang pulis at team ng DEA kung saan nakipag-high five siya sa mga lalaking mas malaki pa sa kanya.
"I think Zion should start taking meds for his headache this early if she grows up," my eyes went to the police officer.
I chuckled, "he probably should. I could already see the future for her."
"She'll have a future in law or justice," ani Locket. "May I?"
I nodded and moved a little so he could sit.
"She's still little," I told him. "Her dreams might've changed in the future but if she chose this line of work then I would support her."
"She's brave. I've talked to her sometimes, ang tanong niya palagi totoo ba raw 'yong baril ko? Paano raw ba gumamit ng baril tapos pinapakita niya 'yong mga laruan niya."
I laughed.
"She's...unique." I commented.
"She sure is," he breathed. "Well, good luck with Wyatt Anderson. I'll be giving him in your mercy now."
I glanced at him, faking my confusion.
"I know," the side of his lip twitched. "For men like those? Jail wasn't enough for the traumas they've caused, I only wish I get to do it with someone before..."
Bumaling siya kung saan kaya sinundan ko 'yon ng tingin at nakita napunta iyon kay Crest na kausap si Mom at tinuturo ang heels niyang lumubog sa putik.
"Oh...for her?"
I still remember her case in court. How Zy and I went back and forth to secure evidences we could use to help her with the case.
One of the bravest woman I knew.
"Justice is unjust, sometimes you got to take matters in your hands. I wished I've done it with that demon before but looking forward, he got his own medicine."
Binalingan ko siya.
"He took advantage of his power, authority and the law. Now, what got him? The power of justice, authority and...the law." He smiled proudly, nodding at the grinning Crest from the distance, waving at me.
Pagod na pagod ako na pagkauwi ay binuhat ako ng asawa papunta sa tub para paliguan. I was so exhausted I fell asleep while he's massaging my scalp and I woke up with a set of new clothes and wrapped in the comforter with my daughter clinging on me like a burrito.
Smiling, I kissed her head and pulled her closer to me.
"I love you, my little princess," I hummed.
I fell asleep again and woke up in the afternoon with my daughter playing with her toys beside me. Pinagkakausap niya ang mga barbie niya at kinekwento kay Meow-meow ang adventure niya sa bad guy at kung paano na siya isang ganap na agent.
"Hello, darling," I called sleepily.
"Mommy ko!" She chirped. Humiga siya pabalik bago gumulong sa akin para magpayakap.
I showered her with kisses.
"Kakagising mo lang, anak?"
"Hmm...mga thirty minutes ago po!" aniya. "Gigising ako po no'ng umalis si Daddy magyakap sa akin."
"Nandito ang Daddy?"
"Opo, no'ng sleep po tayo pasok si pangit tapos nagyayakap po sa 'kin. Takot ata siya po sa monster under the bed, baka raw po kukunin tayo."
My eyes softened. Ipinahiga ko ang anak ko sa braso bago hinaplos ang pusa na tumakbo patungo sa akin para umamoy sa t'yan ko.
I caressed Meow-meow's fur.
"Why are you sniffing me?" Nakangiting tanong ko sa pusa, "kumain ka na ba?"
He purred, pressing his furry head on my flat stomach.
"Where is your Dad now?" Sulyap ko kay Twila.
"Nag-cook po," she answered. "Sabi ko I'm super super hungry po na super sad na ako...luto niya ako lumpia na may gulay sa loob! Mommy alam mo ba po, ayaw ni Sunny ng veggies?"
"Oh? Why?" Natawa ako. "Dapat mag-veggie para healthy."
Wow, coming from you, Bullet? Eh, suki ka ng fast food! Kung wala si Zy baka 'yon pa rin ang kinakain mo!
"Mana raw siya po kay Papa niya, si Kuya—ay Tito Macky-macaroni pala! Macaroni po tawag sa kanya ni pangit pero 'di naman siya po macaroni, tao po siya."
I laughed.
"I know, baby."
"Nasa baba nga po sila, eh!"
"Oh? Why are you here, then? Dapat makipaglaro ka."
"Yes po pero antay ko muna gigising ang Mommy ko kasi ipapakilala ko siya sa mga cousins ko!" She said happily.
My heart made a joyful bounce with the statement.
"Let's go, then? Pakilala mo si Mommy..."
Pinakain ko muna ang pusa bago sumama sa anak na hinila ako pababa, excited na excited. My eyes are stinging with the thought of being introduced as her mother.
"Sunny! Sky! Tignan n'yo! Ito ang Mommy ko, si Mommy Bullet!" She said proudly.
"Hmm?" ani Sunny na nagtataka. "Paano si Mama Alyx? 'Di ba, siya ang Mommy mo...dapat Tita ko ikaw? Pero 'di kita tatawag na Tita kasi kids pa tayo—awkward!"
Naghagikhikan sila. Kinagat ko ang labi at naaaliw na nanuod sa usapan.
"No! Mama Alyx ko is Lola ko—pero h'wag siya daw tatawag na Lola pa kasi ayaw niya daw pa ng uban!" Humagikhik siya, "kagaya mo, ang mama ko 'yong 'di ko totoong mama tapos siya pala ang mama ko!"
Tinuro niya ako.
Sunny stared at me, confused. As if nagpa-process pa sa utak niya ang sinabi ng pinsan.
"Sorry! 'Di naman ako slow pero 'di ko kasi masyado gets...gusto mo ba lollipop?" Biglang may lumitaw na lollipop sa kamay niya.
"Thank you! Parang sa mama mo na 'di mo pala mama tapos iba pala mama mo?" My daughter answered.
Natahimik si Sunny pero mamaya-maya'y tila may lumiwanag na bombilya sa ulo.
"Ah! Oh my gee! 'Yong mama mo na akala mo mama mo tapos 'di mo pala mama?!" She asked.
"Tama! You're so bright talaga, Sunny!" Twinkle exclaimed and the two held hands and jumped up and down.
"Sky, sabi ko sa 'yo 'di ako uto-uto, eh!" Sunny squealed.
Binalingan ko ang kakambal niya. Sky just sighed and bit on his macaroon before silently taking my hand.
"Bless po, Tita," kalmado niyang sabi.
"O-oh..." I gave him my hand, "alright."
I heard a soft laugh. Nang lumingon ay ngumiti ako kay Varsha at Macky na kakalabas lang galing kusina.
"Pagpasenyahan mo na, Bullet," ani Marcus. "Makukulit."
"Oh, it's nothing. They're adorable!" Hinaplos ko ang buhok ni Sky nang may humawak sa shorts ko.
I lowered my gaze and saw my daughter with Sunny, her black eyes twinkling. I can see Varsha in her face.
"Sunny! Ito ang Mommy ko ulit! Sabi ng Mommy ko, Tita na lang daw ang tawag mo sa kanya!"
"Hi po, Tita! Ganda po ng eyes n'yo and hair n'yo! Wow! Isa ka po bang barbie princess?" Chuckling, I offered her my hand which she happily took.
"Ay, naku! Kambal, dahil Ninong n'yo si Tito Zy, Ninang n'yo na rin si Tita Bullet! Hingi kayo sa kanya pamasko, dali! Mayaman 'yan si Tita!" Macky teased.
I laughed loudly.
"Marcus!" Natatawang sabi ni Varsha at siniko ang huli bago nagkatawanan.
I have met these kids countless times now but hearing them referring to me as their Auntie? Wow. I feel amazed. Blessed.
To have kids consider me as their guardian? Me?
"Sa pasko na, twins. Ipon muna ako para sa kasal namin ng Ninong n'yo." I teased.
"Ikakasal na kayo ulit?!" My eyes went to the door, my smile widening more when I saw it was Alchiel and Deion.
"Hi, Bullet!" Chiel and Dei greeted.
I showed my ring—the large safety pin that they burst out laughing.
"Congratulations!" Dei greeted.
"Hoy, Zion! Bakit ito ang singsing ng asawa mo?! Tagtipid ka ba?!" Chiel asked.
"What? May singsing 'yang pinagawa, ah? Ilang buwan na 'yon nakatago sa bulsa niya! Dala pa nga ata niya kahit natatae!" ani Macky. "Baka nahulog kasama no'ng tubol niya!"
"Gago! Nawala sa bulsa ko nga sabi! Tara! Lalamon na!" Zy called loudly.
"Let's go?" Kumapit sa braso ko si Varsha. Ngumiti ako, kumapit sa kanya pabalik bago sama-sama kaming pumasok sa loob.
It felt like I was in a feast. Binuhat ni Zy ang anak paupo sa upo bago ako inalalayan sa tabi niya.
"Twila..."
"Ako na bahala, relax ka lang," he kissed my cheek and I watched him prepare foods for me and Twila.
Everyone was watching us and it was Macky who broke the silence.
"Zy, anong feeling na napagbigyan pagkatapos magmakaawa?" aniya, dahilan kaya umugong ang asaran.
"I don't beg because...?" Dei started.
"To beg is water!" The boys exclaimed. Zy mouthed a curse.
Nag-init ang mukha ko.
I listened to their stories, observing them having fun. Simula noong mga bata pa kami ganito na talaga sila. I may have rarely came across these three because I prefer meeting Zion in secret but his stories, even before, told me well enough how close their love and friendship was.
Si Macky ay inaasikaso si Varsha at salitan sila sa pag-check sa kambal. Si Deion ay may ka-text habang si Chiel ay nakikinig at nakikipagkwentuhan sa mga lalaki.
"Excuse me for a while," ani Dei na tumayo at lumabas.
"Saan siya?" I asked my husband before finishing my glass of juice.
"Ivy's coming, nasa labas na ata."
Tumango ako bago napangiti nang ni-refill niya ang baso ng juice ko.
While waiting, the kids started talking again kahit magkahiwalay sila ng pwesto sa lamesa. My daughter began telling her cousins her adventures, how she overheard me saying we'd go help kids that motivated her to come. She told them her back pack, how she kicked the man's bird flat. Her words not mine.
And how she helped in rescuing the kids.
I have seen it. Even at her young age, I have seen her compassion. Of how she convinced those kids to come with us.
"Hindi kami bad guys," I could still remember her words at the back of my head. "Sama na kayo sa amin, labas na kayo d'yan. Doon sa pupuntahan maraming toys and foods!"
The kids won't bulge, sitting on the cages with their legs tucked in front of their chest. Napuno ako ng galit at pag-aalala. That's how I was before.
Hinaplos ni Zion ang likod ko bago ako inilapit sa kanya.
"P-paano namin malalaman na 'di ikaw kasama?" The kid, that one Wyatt took hostage to get away asked.
"Kasi I'm...I'm agent!" She answered, "tutulong ako na mawala ang bad guys! Promise! And...look oh, I have candies!"
She rummaged on her bag and took out pieces of candies to give the kids.
"Will she be fine?" I asked my husband.
Tumango siya sa akin.
"She will be, anak ata natin 'yan," he reassured.
"'Di kami naniniwala! Paano pala kapag kakampi ka ng mga bad guys! Tapos...tapos...niloloko n'yo lang kami para kunin ulit!"
I squeezed my husband's arm.
"Come on, let's go closer." I urged him.
"Totoo! Promise! Ito...ito ang Mommy ko and Daddy ko!" She waved at us kaya mas lumapit kaming mag-asawa at ngumiti sa mga bata.
"Hi, kids," I called.
Mas nagsiksikan lang sila. Kinagat ko ang labi at sumulyap kay Zy.
I'm not really good with kids...
"We're agents, 'di ba, anak?" Gumaan ang tono ni Zy at bumaling sa anak.
"Yes po! Sabi ko sa inyo agent talaga kami! Promise!"
"'Di pa rin kami naniniwala!" The boy said. "May agent bang bata?" Sumulyap siya kay Twinkle na napangiwi pa pero ngumisi, ang bungal ay lumitaw.
"Isa akong agent! Special case kasi bata pa lang ako marunong na 'ko mag-Kung Fu! Kapag...kapag sumama kayo turuan ko kayo paano magsipa ng bird!"
Nabulunan ako ng sariling laway.
Zion chuckled.
"She's an agent," he informed before taking something from his pocket, showing the kids his identification card. Sabay-sabay silang nagtinginan doon at nangunot ang noo.
"Nakalagay d'yan is DEA," ani Zy. He explained his name and who was he. He even pointed the goons getting taken away by the police. "Wala na sila, 'di na kayo ulit malalapitan."
"Yes! Tama!" Twinkle beamed, "bata kayo and bata rin ako! Maniwala kayo sa 'kin, ah? Promise, good guys kami! Alam n'yo bang naglaban ako sa mga bad guys?"
It was hard convincing the kids but then Zy started doing his usual remarks, those one enough to get the kids to trust him. He also did that magic he had learned from the internet, ang magic na gasgas na dahil sa paulit-ulit nila na pine-perform kapag may birthday ng mga bata sa pamilya.
"May magic ako, gusto n'yo makita?"
"Yes po! Opo!" Nangunguna si Twila sa paghihikayat sa mga bata na maging interesado.
It was about that disappearing coin. When it disappeared, the kids gasped loudly but I saw it hiding behind his hand but he looks so believable.
"Tsaran!"
"Wow!" The kids clapped their hands.
"Di ba! Sabi ko sa inyo, eh! Galing siya! Ayan ang Daddy kong pogi tapos ito ang Mommy ko na maganda..." turo niya sa akin.
The kids glanced my way. I gave them a small wave before glancing at my husband with his mouth parting at our daughter.
"P-pogi ako, bundat?"
"Hmm! Kanina po pero tawag mo akong bundat kaya..." she shrugged, "mga friends! Joke lang pala! Ito ang Daddy kong pangit!"
The kids ended up laughing so hard my husband's face reddened but I know for sure it made his heart jump, too, when the kids agreed to come with us.
Twila did a lot to convince them. She even sat down and took out her tablet—yes, dinala niya 'yon para daw 'di siya ma-bored kapag namatay daw kaagad ang kalaban—and made the kids watched her favorite cartoons.
She promised to visit them with us where they could do a movie marathon and eat more snacks. I promised she could do that to give the children hope that their life will begin again starting today.
"Oh, hinga," tawag na naman ni Zy sa anak na hindi na matigil kakasalita sa kwento niya bago pinainom ng tubig.
Twinkle exhaled before smirking at Sunny.
"H'wag ka, Sunny! Isa na 'kong real spy! Nakipaglaban ako sa bad guys!" She said proudly.
"Eh, ano naman? H'wag ka, kami nga ni Sky na-kidnap!" Sunny answered back, nabulunan ako ng tubig kasabay ng halakhakan at pagtakip ni Sky sa bibig ng kakambal.
Maingay pa ang dining room nang pumasok si Deion kasama si Ivy na pulang-pula ang damit ngayon. Her hair is in curls, her lips are painted with deep red.
Oh, this is the other one.
"Good evening," bati niya.
Our eyes met. She nodded, waved before pointing the chair and Deion following her, lifting it for her.
Bumaling siya sa mga bata pagkaupo at ngumiti ng malambing, "wala bang kiss si Tita, kids?"
That's when the kids jumped out of the chair to ran towards her for kisses. She gave the kids pasalubong at habang pinapanuod ko siya ay natantong mali ako.
This is Ivy.
Dumating ang dessert at excited ako kanina pero pagkakita ng pinya sa salad. I covered my mouth and bit my lower lip.
"Misis?"
"H-hmm?" Binalingan ko siya.
"Are you okay?" He asked, "why are you covering your mouth? Ayaw mo ba ng gawa ko? Don't worry, mayro'n pang iba—"
"I don't like the pineapple chunks," I pushed the small bowl towards him, "tanggal mo, gusto ko lang 'yong maraming buko atsaka 'yong cream at Nata."
He nodded, took the bowl I gave and began separating the pineapples from the ones I requested.
"Ano gamit mo d'yang buko?"
"Binili—" I smacked his arm.
"What? Sabi ko gusto ko aakyatin mo sa puno, ah?" Ngumuso ako, nag-iinarte.
"Misis," he called. "'Di ko kaya lalo na 'yong 'di mahuhulog."
"Aba, problema ko ba 'yon?" I spat, "ikaw ang gumawa ng paraan. Mas ayos na ikaw ang mahulog kaysa 'yong buko ko."
He gave me that whiny look again.
"Ayaw mo? Hindi na ako kakain, sige, gusto mo mamatay ako sa gutom? Kawawa ka naman?" Inarte ko.
Tumitig siya sa 'kin at ngumuso, napapakamot pa ng kilay Niya.
"Edi ayaw mo nito? Sige, akin na lang—" inagaw ko sa kanya ang bowl at prinotektahan ng kamay ko.
"No! Akin 'to, akin!" I whined. "Kainin ko 'to pero next time! Dapat 'yong buko..."
"Alright," his smile softened as he kissed my cheek.
Lumabi ako at tumango para mag-focus sa salad ko, sumusulyap-sulyap sa kanya para bantaan na h'wag hahawakan ang foods ko!
"Ano tinitingin mo? Agawin mo?" I asked and took a mouthful.
Kilala ko 'to, eh. Nakikipag-agawan ng pagkain sa mga kapatid niya o 'di kaya sa anak! Kapag nasa may saltik stage pa siya, didilaan niya sabay abot at offer.
Gross.
"Subukan mong lawayan 'to, Zion Schauffer, putol 'yan ano mo sa 'kin." Banta ko.
He chuckled.
"Grabe naman 'to, akala mo naman 'di na kita nalawayan..."
My eyes widened horribly. Eskandalosa akong nag-ikot ng tingin sabay hampas sa kanya pero hinuli niya ang kamay ko at natatawang pinagsaklop ang daliri naming dalawa.
"I won't take it, honey, easy..."
Bumusangot ako at kinuha ang kamay para muling kumain.
Mas tumungo lang ako kaya nahulog ang buhok ko sa pisngi pero hinuli kaagad iyon ng asawa at inangat para itali mula sa likod gamit ang ponytail niyang extra.
"Eat well, misis. Mamaya ikaw kainin ko." His lips tugged upwards for a sexy smirk.
My cheeks heated and coughed loudly.
"Ano ba, Sandejas! Para kang ano..." mas nag-init ang pisngi ko, "pero sama natin si Franklin, ah?"
Naghagikhikan kaming dalawa, may sariling mundo. Natigilan lang kami nang may matunog na nagbaba ng utensils sa babasaging plato kaya sabay-sabay kaming naglingunan.
Marcus stopped from whispering something from the blushing Varsha. Even Deion's hand froze from wiping something off Ivy's lips as we all shifted our gaze to the frowning Alchiel.
"What?" Macky asked his sulking cousin.
"Edi kayo na!" He said like he was done, "kayo na ang may jowa! Kayo na ang may kasubuan! Ako na lang palaging mag-isa—" sinubo bigla ni Twila ang lumpia niya sa bibig ng Tito kaya nauwi na sa pag-ubo, nabibilaukan.
That night, I was damn horny. I didn't know why.
Twila fell asleep again with her cousins when they decided to stay. Nag-iinuman ang mga lalaki at katatapos ko lang kausapin sina Jay at Clau tungkol kay Wyatt.
He was transported safely—for now. May mga sugat daw siya dahil sa pagsabog sa likod and if you'd ask me if I'll be good enough to send some doctors for them? Hell nah.
If he dies, he'll die miserably.
"Take him to the cage with Bernard," I instructed.
"Got it, Bullet," Jay answered. "Any special instructions?"
"Give them water, just water." I said, "that's enough to keep them breathing before I got there."
"Alright, when will you be coming?"
"Let her rest first, Jay," ani Clau sa kabilang linya. "You can go whenever you like, Bullet. Seems like Archer and Viper wanted a piece of him first. Kanina pa nandito si Archer."
Oh, that's why Dad and Mom wasn't here.
"Let him," I answered. "But can you remind him not to kill him yet?"
"I think he knows," aniya. "He said he likes your maze."
I smiled proudly, checking my names.
"Really? Great! All our hard works got paid off, I guess."
Nagpaalam ako bago iniayos ang kumot sa katawan ng anak at pumunta sa kwarto. Sumilip ako sa terrace, sa ibaba ay nakapaikot ang mga lalaki at nag-iinuman.
Ivy was the only one left with Deion, resting her head on his shoulder. Si Varsha ay nasa guest room ngayon at inaasikaso ang kambal, kababalik lang ni Macky na sumama sa kanila kanina.
Nagtatawanan sila and when I glanced at my husband, it was very obvious he said something corny and silly.
Si Alchiel ay may isang shot glass pero siya ang may hawak ng pulutan nilang mani.
Pinanuod ko ang asawa. He's topless now, his hair still slightly wet from the shower, wearing only his sweat pants and slippers.
My lips protruded.
Dapat sa asawang ganito 'di pinapalabas ng bahay, eh.
Suddenly, an evil plan appeared in my head and beaming, I stripped my clothes off and took my phone to took pictures of me, nude.
I wore my robe, tinakbo ko ang terrace para sumilip sa asawa at inabot ang phone. I sent him my nudes and watched as he lifted his phone, opened the screen and literally fell off his seat when he saw it.
Marcus asked something, he screamed a bit and pushed the phone on his chest, hiding.
"Ano?" I can see Deion mouthing.
"Nothing! Antok na pala ako, bye!" My husband said in a loud voice and he basically ran inside the house.
I laughed, got inside, stripped my robe and laid on the bed naked.
Natawa ako sa malakas na pagbukas ng pinto at ang asawang nanlalaki ang mata ang nakita. His eyes feasted on my naked flesh, his blue eyes darkening. He swallowed hard.
"Tish..."
"Hi, husband?" I winked, laughing loudly when he jumped on me on the bed.
I hugged his nape, his naked chest pressing against mine. My nipples hardened more when it felt the warmth of his body.
Our lips crashed, he moved his leg and I groaned when I felt his knees in between my sore core.
"You're that wet, honey?" Bulong niya habang bumababa ang halik sa leeg ko.
"Don't ask, just fuck me,"
Even his laugh was fucking sexy. I grind myself on his knees, gasping when he licked his finger before rubbing my clit.
"O-oh, Zy, please..."
"You want me to fuck that greedy pussy, wife?" He slapped my core.
I moaned louder.
"Y-yes, yes, please..." I pleaded. "Please, Zy. I want your dick."
He rubbed me more as I was grinding on his knees, desperate for my release.
"Open your mouth, taste how that pussy tastes." I followed and when he stuck his finger on my mouth, I sucked my juices out of it
His pulled his finger slowly, moving it down my chest, making circular motions while locking gazes with me.
"Nasaan ang karibal ko?" aniya.
My forehead creased, "sino sa kanila?"
Natawa ako nang nalukot ang mukha niya.
"Gano'n ba talaga karami, Bevurleigh Leticia, at may choices ka pa?"
"Yup, I told you I have other boyfriends. My main is Franklin but I have Franco—the violet dildo."
His jaw clenched but not in an angry way. It's lust.
Moistening his lower lip, he kissed me wetly for a few moments before he slapped my leg and pushed his knees more that it made me moan out loud.
"Where is it?" He asked breathlessly.
"W-who?"
"Those two assholes? I wanna see."
I smirked, lifting my finger to caress his cheek.
"Really? Wanna meet Franco?"
"Yeah," malamya niyang sabi bago ibinaba ang tingin sa pagitan ng hita ko. "As much as I hate having other damned boyfriends around you...I know how you'd like it if we pleasured you all."
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko. My stomach churned. My body almost convulsed with the way he talks, my head imagining things. How he'd use those toys on me, how it would pleasure me alongside of his mouth, fingers...his cock.
I let out a shaky breath, "in the drawer—"
Narinig namin ang langitngit ng pintuang nagbukas.
"Zion-beybe, nasaan nakalagay ang pulutan? Inubos ni Chiel-taba!"
Napatalon ang asawa, hinatak ang comforter patabon sa katawan ko at sabay naming nalingunan si Marcus na napatakip sa bibig pagkakita sa amin.
"Hala, MOMOL kayo?!" He exclaimed, trying to look surprised but was obviously teasing.
Inangat ko ang kumot hanggang sa itaas ng ilong, nag-iinit ang mukha.
"Tang ina ka!" Umahon si Zy ng tayo sabay lapit sa pinsan na tumatawa na nang malakas habang tinutulak ni Zion palabas.
"Anong feeling ng nabitin?" ani Marcus. Sunod-sunod ang mura ng asawa.
"Gago ka, labas!"
"Blue balls ba—"
"Break na tayo, Macky-beybe! Sinasabi ko sa 'yo, tinatakwil na kita bilang kabit!" Then he slammed the door closed on his face.
Sinundan ko ng tingin ang bagnot na asawa. His forehead's creased, his lips pressed together and his dick hard.
Ibinaba ko ang comforter sa dibdib at pinanuod siya.
"Anong ginagawa mo, mahal?" I asked.
He stiffened.
Nilingon niya akong bigla, napapalunok. Hindi siya umimik kaya tinaasan ko na ng kilay, nagtataka.
He blushed. He looked away, trying to hide the way he reacted with my endearment.
He took out a sign from the drawer and my laughters roared when I saw the familiar signage.
NO TRESPASSING. BEWARE OF DOG.
ARF! ARF!
That damn signage, the one he showed me before with the dog wearing shades.
Lumabas siya, sinabit iyon sa labas ng pintuan bago padabog na isinara ang pinto, nagma-martsa sa akin.
"Wala nang makakapigil sa 'tin, Tish!" He announced.
I giggled.
"Okay, mahal,"
He stiffened again. Mas kumalat ang pula sa mukha niya at unti-unti'y kinagat niya ang labi at napasipa ng paa.
"Ano ba, misis!" He gasped, "akala mo nakakakilig?! Para kang..."
I grinned, "parang ano, mahal?"
Nahulog ang panga niya sabay lapit ng kamao sa bibig, tumalikod at napasuntok ng isang kamao sa ere.
I cackled. Namumula na pati ang batok niya.
Bigla niya akong hinarap ulit. I winked.
"Misis!" He exclaimed dramatically. "Kapag sumabog ang puso ko, dadalhin mo 'ko sa ospital, ah!"
"Bakit pa sa ospital kung p'wede naman sa puso ko?" Hirit ko.
He let out a girly squeal. Oh, hell.
Nanakit ang panga ko kakahagalpak nang tumalon-talon pa siya, sumusuntok sa ere, sumasabunot sa invisible na tao na akala mo'y may kaaway siya.
I pushed myself up and pulled the comforter off me.
"Come on, mister, fuck me until I can see stars." I called out at wala pang ilang segundo ay hinihila na niya paalis ang sweat pants niya.
"Let's do this!" He exclaimed, "wala nang makakapigil sa 'tin!"
He was about to jump on the bed when we heard countless knocks.
"Mommy? Daddy?" Nagkatinginan kami.
Sinuot ni Zy pabalik ang pants at hinagis sa akin ang robe na kaagad kong sinuot. We walked towards the door, open it and saw our daughter hugging her bunny toy.
"Darling?" I called when I noticed her eyes are sleepy and teary. "What's the matter?"
"M-mommy..." she sniffed, "may dream ako p-po, kakain daw po ng mga zombie ang lumpia sa buong mundo wala na natira sa 'kin!"
She cried.
Zy panicked and carried her, our daughter encircled her arms around his nape, sobbing.
"Don't worry, bundat. Kahit ubusin ng mga zombie ang lumpia sa buong mundo, lulutuan ka ni Daddy ng kahit ilan ang gusto mo." He whispered.
She sniffed, her amber eyes seeking for his.
"P-promise?" She showed him her pinky finger.
Zion nodded, "I promise." He linked his finger on hers.
Ipinunas ni Twila ang palad sa sipon bago pinahid sa dibdib ng Daddy niya. I laughed. Zy made a face.
"Mahal kita, anak, but sometimes I want to take you back to Dad because..."
"Because...?" She asked, raising her brow and putting her palm on her waist.
"Because...ang cute mo, ang sarap mong tirisin. Pa-kiss nga!" Naghalakhakan ang dalawa nang iangat ni Zy ang kili-kili ng anak at paulanan ng halik.
I held Zy's waist to push them inside the room at pinanuod ko lang silang naghaharutan sa may paanan ng kama.
Ah...my small family.
"Tama na, Twila, napagod na ako..." humilata si Zy sa kama habang nakadapa sa dibdib niya ang anak na humahagikhik.
"Weak ikaw pala, eh! Talo pa kita, Daddy!" Then she rolled off her Dad's chest to his arm and waved her chubby hand at me.
"Hi, Mommy ko!"
"Hello, darling. It's late, do you wanna sleep?" I asked, "tomorrow, anak, last day mo na kay tutor bago ka paapasok sa real school."
"Hmm..." she yawned, "okay po! Mommy, p'wede ako po dito matulog sa inyo?"
Nanigas si Zy. Pinanlakihan niya ako ng mata at umiling.
Nahulog ang tingin ko sa pants niya bago kinagat ang labi at nasa mood mang-asar.
"Sure!" I beamed at Twila.
"Misis!" Inarte ng asawa pero tumalon-talon na ang anak niya sa kama at inaayos na ang unan namin.
"Blue balls," I mouthed at him. Napakamot siya sa batok at nag-inarte.
"Dito si Mommy and Twinkle! Si Daddy sa floor!" Sabay hagis niya ng isang unan sa lapag.
Zy looked at me helplessly.
"Sperm mo 'yan," I teased and bumped my hips on his, chuckling.
The days went on smoothly. Twila finished her home-based schooling and now, we're preparing her documents for her to have face-to-face classes with kids her age.
For now, the changing of her birth certificate to us as her parents will take some time at importanteng maipasok na siya sa school kaya ipagpapaliban muna namin iyong mag-asawa.
If she gets into school then, kami na ang bahala mag-asikaso. Nakalagay man sa birth certificate o hindi, ang mahalaga'y alam namin na pamilya kami.
Na alam ng anak na anak namin siya at mahal na mahal namin siya ng Daddy niya.
"Nasukatan na siya ng uniform, Ate. Si Ate Crest ang gagawa para daw kasyang-kasya kaysa bibili sa school." Zirena informed me earlier.
I left my daughter with her Aunties while I was seated, watching how my husband and his father took turns torturing Wyatt Anderson.
It's been three days since we got him and he's getting weaker and weaker but still alive and breathing.
I let him experienced what he did to the kids he trafficked and abused. I let them stay in a small dog cage like how they used to caged us in before. Nakayupyop at hindi maiunat miski ang paa. We fed them scraps and water in a a plastic bowl.
He was old but his age increased with just a few days in torture.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Zy, ang mukha at damit niya'y may tilamsik pa ng dugo. They cut parts of his skin off, pushing his injured back from the explosion on his seat with thumb tucks glued on the chair.
Lantang gulay na si Bernard na nakabaligtad, ang paa ay nakapaikot sa kadena. He was suspended in the air like Wyatt earlier. Ibinagsak lang si Wyatt para gawing laruan ng mag-ama.
"That's what you get for hurting my family," Mom's voice filled my ear.
Nilingon ko siya at nakangiting inilahad niya sa akin ang baso ng juice.
"I was looking for wine but there's nothing here so..." she shrugged and walked beside me.
"Thanks, Mom."
"No worries, sweetheart. How is it going?" Ibinalik niya ang tingin mag-ama.
"Great, he's getting crazy." I said. "He started talking to himself."
"What a fool," umiling si Mom. "He can now feel what he'd done to you? To everyone?"
"Wala pa 'yan, Mom. Imagine what he'd done for years. Tatlong araw pa nga lang, nababaliw na siya? Paano pa kaya ako? Kaming mga naging biktima niya? We had tolerate the abuse...for years."
Her face darkened more, her eyes sharp with the familiar tick of her jaw.
She already got a piece of Wyatt the past days, torturing him with her husband. She calmed down after a moment, her face softening while glancing at me.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Bullet..." when I felt her palm on my back, nangilid na ang luha ko.
Diniretso ko ng inom ng juice bago ipinatong ang ulo sa balikat ni Mom nang yakapin niya ang tagiliran ko at hinagkan ang ulo ko.
"We might not have experienced the exact same thing but I know how hard it felt. To be taken away from your family, to be groomed to kill, to become a weapon as if you're not a person capable of feelings...I know how it felt getting treated like an animal."
Ipinikit ko ang mata at suminghot.
"Ang bata-bata mo pa no'n, anak. It was unimaginable how a kid would survive this cruel and fucked world. Ang dami-dami mong isinakripisyo hindi lang para sa anak ko pero para sa buong pamilya ko, habang buhay akong may utang na loob sa 'yo. S-sorry kung huli ko na nalaman na ikaw ang may gawa no'n. Pasensya na k-kung pinalayo kita sa anak ko. H-hindi ko alam, Bullet. Sana mapatawad mo ako."
Umiling ako at mas humigpit ang yakap sa kanya.
"You're a mother, I am." I breathed. "You only did that to protect your family. Kung ako, ganyan din ang gagawin ko para sa mga mahal ko. Para protektahan ang anak ko."
"I wished I knew," she whispered. "So I could protect you, too. Thank you for being so strong, Bullet. Thank you for holding on so in the future, we will be able to finally meet the only woman my son will ever love. For protecting your daughter so, she'll grow up protected and loved. So that, someday, she will be able to meet her amazing and brave mother."
Ang babaw ng luha ko kaya 'di ko na napigil ang paghagulgol habang yakap siya.
Ang sarap pala sa pakiramdam magkaroon ng isang ina and I was so glad I got to experienced a mother's love in the form of Alyx Sandejas, including my daughter who felt the love not just from her—but from mine.
Kinwentuhan ako ni Mom para 'di na ako maging emosyonal. Ikinwento niya sa akin kung gaano ka-excited si Zy na ipinakita sa kanila ang singsing na pinagawa para sa proposal sa akin na nawala lang sa huli.
He basically went heaven and earth asking for my brothers' approval, he even started planning for some private proposals but in the end, he'd ask to marry me after the explosion, the safety pin from the grenade as the ring.
It was unique in every ways. I'd never wish for something else.
"Are you feeling okay, Bullet?" Pinisil ni Mom ang kamay ko.
"Yes po, why?"
"It's just that...it's not wrong to be emotional but I've been noticing it was too often and random at times."
"Random?"
"Last time, you saw a dog died in the movie we watched. You cried." She pointed out, "when we went shopping after bonding..." she quoted, meaning after we had our fun scaring Jackie and sent her straight to jail. "May nakita tayong damit na babagay sana sa 'yo pero no'ng sinukat mo hindi kasya."
My lips protruded.
"Mom, am I getting fat?" Ngumuso ako at humawak sa braso. "I felt like I'm eating a lot of foods these days. Mataba na ba ako?"
She chuckled, "no, you aren't. You're still sexy and gorgeous. It's a great thing you're eating a lot, it makes you healthy. Just that, when we asked for a different size and they're out of stuck, umiyak ka."
I chewed my lip, remembering how I had my tantrums that day. I apologized for crying but I was really annoyed lang kasi bakit wala na no'ng dress?! First time ko nga nagkainteres sa color pink na damit tapos walang stocks?! Anong klaseng mall?!
"Sorry po, I'm unreasonable and..."
"You aren't," she squeezed my palm before touching my cheek. "You're blooming, did you go to the doctor and had an appointment?"
Umiling ako.
"I'm fine,"
"You should still go get checked."
I blinked, "bakit po? Do you think I'm sick or..."
"No, I think it's a good news," her smile brightened. "But I won't spoil you the fun, it's better if you checked it yourself. Just be careful, okay? I know you wanted to do nothing but to shattered that old hag into pieces but careful."
"Okay po but I got checked my blood checked earlier. Kukunin ko pa lang po ang resulta."
"I'll go get it if it's okay with you? I will get the results for my monthly check up."
"Sure po, thank you."
Natigil lang ang kwentuhan naming dalawa nang umakyat ang mag-ama at nakisali. My husband kissed me, sitting beside me before gently pulling me on his leg so I'd sit on him instead.
"We're only waiting for your brothers and Clau," aniya at hinagkan ang pisngi ko. "I like your maze, baby, but it's fucking creepy."
Ngumisi ako.
"What can you remember with it?"
"Horror house," ipinatong niya ang baba sa balikat ko. "Back in college where you crawled like a freaking Sadako."
I laughed, moving my head so my hair would cover a part of my face.
"Like this?"
"Yup, sometimes I still have chills remembering it. Nai-imagine ko may gumagapang sa paahan ko sabay hila."
"How's Wyatt?"
"He's talking to himself now but he's back in his normal state again," aniya. "Still a fucking asshole as usual."
Nang dumating na ang mga kapatid at si Clau ay bumaba na kami.
"Bullet," Kuya Levi embraced me, kissing my forehead. "Are you doing fine?"
"Yes, Kuya," I smiled. "How's the trip to Italy?"
"It's messy but we're getting there, you don't have to worry. I got this."
Humiwalay ako at sinalubong ng yakap si Clau at Jay.
"Hmm..." I smelled my brother, "Amoy Claudine, ah!"
His face reddened. Pinalo ako ni Clau at nailing sa akin.
"It's nothing! Hiniram niya lang ang cologne ko, 'di ba, Jay?!"
I made a face, "h'wag ako, Claudine. Ilang beses ko na kayo nakikitang naglalampungan ako pa uutuin mo?"
Namula siyang lalo at nahihiyang nag-iwas ng tingin. Jay chuckled and shook his head at me.
"Stop teasing her," he said lightly. "Nahihiya."
I grinned, pinching my friend's cheek.
"You're adorable, will you be joining the hunt?" I asked.
Sumulyap siya kay Jay at umiling, "my mom and dad did it for me. I want to but I don't think I could stomach doing it personally. I'm just not cut for physical work, I guess? Ako na lang bahala sa pag-monitor ng maze."
Binalingan ko si Jay. Tinanguan niya ako.
"I'm also sure you'd do it in my behalf, too, right?" Malambot siyang tumingin sa aming dalawa. "I know you'd do it in the name of every victim they had. I trust you two. Good luck."
I took my knife and my pistol, walking beside my husband looking at the two assholes dead in the eye. Tumango ako at sabay na nahulog ang dalawa mula sa pagkakalambitin sa ere sa lapag.
They both groaned. Our men removed their chains and dragged them in front of us.
"Bitch!" Pikit ang isang mata at namamaga ang mukha ni Wyatt nang Makita ako.
"Hi, boss," I greeted, amused. "How are you? Parang Tumanda ka ata ng ilang taon simula no'ng huli Kitang nakita? How long was it...oh, just some hours ago?"
He spat on the floor.
"I will kill you!"
"There's no harm in trying," I smiled evilly, "oh...look at Bernard, such a good boy. He'd learn a lot trying to escape, right?"
Pagod at galit sa aking tumitig ang lalaki.
"You should follow him, boss," tinuro ko ng baril si Bernard na napapikit pa. "He knows well enough than to run his big mouth. Ikaw, 'di ka pa ba napapagod? Natanggal na ang pustiso mo ang dami mo pa ring sinasabi?"
The boys laughed.
"Nice one, misis," my husband whistled.
Humalukipkip ako nang mas nagalit siya sa sinabi ko.
"Fuck you! Wala kang utang na loob! Kung hindi dahil sa 'kin, patay ka na ngayong putang ina ka! I fed you! Gave you home! I did everything for you!"
"Oh, should I be happy?" I asked mockingly, "should I cry in tears saying: Thank you so much, boss! I owe you my life?" Natawa ako.
Tumayo siya para sumubok tumayo at atakihin ako pero nanghina ang tuhod at muling napaluhod sa harapan naming mag-asawa.
"Oh, look at the poor man," nang-uuyam na sabi ko. "Nakalimutan kong sinabi pero may rayuma na itong matanda, nasaan ang tungkod?"
"Scythe," Kuya appeared and handed me his cane.
Sinalo ko iyon at inilapit kay Wyatt.
"Here, old fart," I offered him the cane but before he could reach on it, I twirled it on my palm and slam it on his head.
Gumulong siya pahiga. Mas lumapit ako at paulit-ulit na hinampas iyon sa kanya, sa likod niyang punong-puno ng sugat, sa kanyang ulo na ginagawa na niyang shield ang braso niya.
"Does it hurt?" I asked, "that's what you did to me." Hinampas ko siyang muli. "Masakit?"
He wouldn't answer kaya mas hinampas ko iyon sa kanya.
"Tinatanong kita! masakit?! Sagot!" Sa isang hampas ay nabali sa gitna ang tungkod.
"T-tama na!" He screamed, "masakit! Tama na!"
I grinned, threw the piece of broken cane and leveled my body with him. I pulled his chin up, meeting the devil's eyes full of rage and evil.
"Does it ache you only wish you're already dead?" I pressed my finger on his dislocated jaw, making him scream in pain.
Good job with the jaw, husband.
"Fuck you! Hindi kita pinalaking ganito, Bullet!"
"Oh...you very well did, boss." I spit on his face before pushing him harshly away and standing.
"Let's play hide and seek," I started.
"Anong katangahan na naman 'to, Bullet?! Do you think we're kids?!"
"Well, basically, you robbed us—me of our childhood. Playing hide and seek was long overdue but not too late, isn't it?" Tumaas ang kilay ko. "But this time...we were seekers and you should hide."
Natahimik sila. Mas kumapal ang tensyon.
"Oh, don't be a pussy. At the end of that maze is an exit to your freedom," tinuro ko ang maze na ginawa namin. It was a series of small rooms with traps I did with the help of my friends, my brother and connections.
"Anong ibig mong sabihin?" Tanong ni Bernard.
"I said, if you get passed the maze and us, reached the exit, you're free." I smiled.
Napapantastikuhan niya akong tinitigan. I smiled knowingly at him that fear was obviously pumping on his blood.
"We'll give you a two-minute head start before we'll start hunting," pinaikot ko ang kutsilyo sa daliri bago tumabi sa asawa ko na hinawakan ang baywang ko.
"Get ready," I called them out.
"You're a freak! A demon! Magsama kayo ng asawa mong demonyo!" Sigaw ni Wyatt. "You should be fucking thankful I made you that way!"
"No, boss. You should be scared you made me this way..." sinulyapan ko si Clau sa itaas at tinanguan.
"Your two minutes starts now..." the lights dimmed, the creepy music from the stereo echoed in the place that my husband cursed and touched my hand.
Who wants to play a game?
It's time to play hide and seek
"Misis, bakit naman gano'n ang kanta?" Humawak siya sa 'kin.
Run, run, run
Time to run and hide
Run, run, run
And now I'm going to find
You scurry off into the darkness
"Boss!" Tinakbo ni Bernard si Wyatt na matalim ang tingin sa akin bago sumama at iika-ika ang lakad na pumasok sila sa maze.
Hurry, I'm behind you
Don't you speak
Hide and seek
Sinulyapan ko ang asawa, "para mas madrama."
His mouth parted.
"Kakasama mo 'to sa 'kin, nagagaya mo na ugali ko." He whined.
"Now, you know?" Tinanggap ko ang night vision googles na ibinigay ng kapatid at isinuot sa asawa. Kumuha rin siya ng isa bago isinuot sa akin.
"This music is so damn creepy, Tish. Saan mo 'to nalaman?"
"Sa pinanuod natin no'ng last week. Ayan kasi puro ka landi sa akin sa halip na nanunuod! Patayan naman 'yon, hindi multo." I grinned. "Figured it will sound great and creepy with the game. Crest helped me finding out the title. Don't you feel the chills?"
Let the countdown begin!
Ten!
Nine!
Eight!
Natawa ako nang makitang literal na nagsisitaasan ang balahibo niya. The song was still creepily echoing in the place that if I was in their position, I'm probably pissing on my pants.
Three!
Two!
One!
Ready or not, here I come!
"Two minutes is up," Kuya Levi informed.
"We're getting in first," ani Kuya Levi na kasunod si Jay. Nagkatinginan kaming mag-asawa.
"Ready, Reaper?" I twirled my knife.
"Ready, Scythe," he raised his crossbow before lowering his head to give me a wet kiss.
Sabay kaming pumasok sa maze at nakakailang hakbang pa lang kami at biglang nag-drop ang beat ng nakakatakot na tunog ay may humawak na sa braso ko.
"Hawak mo ako. Takot ako, misis," nag-iinarte niyang papansin.
Pinalo ko ang kamay.
"Be serious, baka biglang lumitaw ang mga gago."
I offered him one but he refused so I opened and chewed the gum my daughter gave me earlier. Baon ko raw.
He cleared his throat, muttering small prayers. Hinayaan ko na. Baka biglang mahimatay.
We roamed around the maze and even saw my brothers in the other side of it. Nagtanguan kami bago muling naghiwalay.
"Misis, six o'clock." My husband whispered and following the direction, I saw Wyatt and Bernard limping but scurrying to get away from us. As if they had a chance.
Sumipol ang asawa. Napatingin sila sa amin at napangisi ako nang nagmamadali silang sumubok umalis pero nagkandadapa-dapa.
"Wyatt... Bernard... where are you?" I called mockingly.
Marahan ang lakad namin ni Zy pero ang panic nila ay para nang maiihi sa salawal. As we stepped closer and almost reached him, Wyatt betrayed Bernard and pushed him towards us as bait before running away.
Humarang sa akin ang asawa kaya sa kanya tumama si bernard.
"Boss!" He screamed but the coward hag was already running away.
Bernard recovered and attempted to punch my husband pero sinalo ng palad ng asawa ang suntok niya at inikot ang kamay.
It made a sound, the way his bone crashed when my husband harshly twisted it.
Sumigaw siya sa sakit at napaluhod. Binalingan ako ni Zy.
"Ito 'yong gago na sumira sa isang Zion sa buhay mo, ano?"
Tumango ako.
"Yup, he was also the one who's hurt the most important one..." bumaling ako sa kanya.
Natahimik siya. Even in the night vision, I could definitely say he's been blushing so hard now.
Ibinalik ng asawa ang tingin sa kanya.
"I'd like to give you one percent of my gratitude since because of your stunt, she told me. Finally! That she loves me but ninety-nine percent fuck you for hurting me. Ang misis ko lang p'wedeng bumaril sa 'kin, naiintindihan mo?"
He kicked his arm again, making him squeal loudly, crying.
"Aww..." I purred at my husband, "good boy."
"Where's the other one?" My brothers appeared.
"We'll take care of them, Kuyas," I beamed. "Kayo na bahala sa isang 'to. You know, I just want to share but he damaged my favorite bike, it made me so sad, brothers. My heart broke."
Nagpaawa ako.
Jay already knew but still, their jaws clenched as they lowered their gaze to Bernard.
"We'll take care of him," ani Kuya Levi.
Yari ka...
"Tara na, mister!" Masaya kong sabi sabay holding hands kay Zy palayo.
Naghiwalay lang kami nang makita si Wyatt sa malayo. My husband lifted his crossbow and shoot his leg.
Natumba siya at umungol. Ngumiti ako at hinawakan ang dibdib ng asawa.
"Let him run for his life. If we got him that quick, where's the fun in that?"
We watched him run and disappeared in the dark and we waited. Naglakad muling ako, hinahanap kung saan siya nagtatago.
"Wyatt..." I sang, "where are you, boss?"
Naglakad ako papunta sa corner nang may maramdamang presensya.
He suddenly appeared, lifting a plastic chair to attack me but my husband's arm stopped him from slamming it on my head.
Nilingon ko sila. Nabali ang plastic na upuan sa paghampas nito sa braso ng asawa ko. Napaatras si Wyatt sa takot.
He took a piece of plastic and gripped it on his palm.
Wyatt stammered. "I-I don't—"
Hinampas siya ng asawa ng plastik na iyon sa batok. He ran forward and tripped, falling face first on the floor.
Nilingon ako ng asawa.
"Are you hurt, misis?" He asked worriedly.
"I'm fine, thanks to you, mister." I kissed his neck then his jaw. "I'm starving now, honey, can we finish this?"
A smirk appeared on his mouth.
"Sure, wife. Whenever you please."
Naglakad kami papunta kay Wyatt na nagkukumahog na sa pag-gapang palayo.
My husband shoot another bow on his other leg that he was gasping for air.
"N-no...no! H'wag n'yo kong lalapitan! 'Di n'yo ba ako kilala?!"
Lumapit ako sa tabi niya. Mas gumapang siya para abutin ang kahoy na nasa lapag.
"Sorry, boss, I only know you're a piece of shit..." I answered as I stab his palm with the knife it pierced through his skin.
He screamed painfully. I touched one of his fingers before bending it.
"T-tama na...tama na! Patayin mo na lang ako, tama na!" Sigaw niya.
"Boring!" I sang. "Hmm...ano kayang next kong babaliin?"
Sinenyasan ko ang asawa na may sinabi sa comms kaya lumiwanag ang paligid.
Tinanggal ko ang googles at nag-indian seat sa lapag bago humawak sa baba at inangat ang daliri.
"Eeny, meeny, miny...moe!" Tinuro ko ang gitnang daliri niya na inangat ko at binali.
"Tama na!" He cried, "p-parang awa mo na, tama na!"
"Two out of ten! Gusto ko pa ng other three!" Lumipat ako sa kabilang kamay niya bago muling naglaro hanggang sa humahagulgol na siya at nagmamakaawa na lang na patayin ko.
He pissed on his pants. It stinks. Disgusted, tumayo na ako at yumakap sa baywang ni Zion.
"Take him to the chair now, mister," lambing ko.
"Alright," ipinaraan niya ang ilong sa pisngi ko. "As you wish, my love."
Tulong-tulong ang mga lalaki ay hinatak nila mula sa lapag ang lantang gulay na si Wyatt. He was bleeding heavily that I don't think he'd last the night.
Inangat nila ito sa silya kung nasaan na ang bugbog saradong si Bernard, nakapikit na at pagod na pagod.
Hindi na halos makilala ang mukha ng dalawa, namamaga na at pulang-pula sa dugo.
Nagsimula na silang paliguan ang dalawa ng gasolina, umiiyak at sumisigaw sa hapdi. They even tried fighting but their bodies gave up on them.
If someone would ask me if ever I feel bad? If I had an ounce of mercy in my heart? I'd say I didn't. Devils like this don't deserve it. They weren't even reflecting on it, who says jail time are enough?
They had destroyed thousands of lives. Children, men and women. He had caused not just trauma and pain for me but for my family, my brothers, friends. My husband's family, him and our daughter.
He destroyed my face. Beat me up. Tortured and brainwashed me.
He had robbed Zion and I memories from our cherished past. He had robbed me the chance to see my daughter grow. To see her first walk, to hear her first word.
I was robbed of having a chance to have a family. A chance to have peace and happiness.
Others would say I was a devil just like them for choosing to do this than handing him to the authorities? That I was a hypocrite for putting the judgment on my own hands? I won't say otherwise because I am.
If you'd refer to someone stopping evil as devil then, I am one. But don't be an angel in disguise, those who've witnessed injustice and evil and didn't do anything about it are not any different.
In fact, they're worse.
"Don't do this, B-Bullet!" The stuttering Wyatt exclaimed. "N-no, please! You are my daughter! I treated you one!"
"Oh, I am now?" I laughed, acting surprised.
Nagpatihulog siya sa upuan, akala ko'y lalapitan ako pero itinukod ang tuhod sa lapag at nagmakaawa.
"P-please..." he coughed, "please, not like this! Para na akong ama mo! I trained you! I protected you! Wala ka bang utang na loob?"
"Utang na loob para saan, Anderson?" Mapait kong tanong. "Utang na loob para sa lahat ng sakit? Ng pagmamaltrato mo? Utang na loob sa lahat ng gabi na natulog ako sa malamig na kulungan ng aso?! Utang na loob na pinaghiwalay mo kami ng mga kapatid ko?! Na sinaktan mo ang asawa ko?! Na nawalan ako ng pagkakataong masubaybayang paglaki ang anak ko?!"
My eyes are stinging but I won't cry. I'm done with it.
"No. I would never, ever be thankful for the traumas you had given me and the people I love. I would never be thankful for the lives you destroyed. Never."
Tumalim ang tingin niya. Ang pekeng pagmamakaawa'y nawala sa mga mata. Kumuyom ang kamay niya at dumura.
"I made you that way...I made you that way! Utang na loob mo sa 'kin ang lahat!"
"Making me this way was your mistake, Wyatt. Who knows the weapon you built will get you killed?"
My husband appeared beside me.
Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko bago bumaling sa asawa na sinakop ng palad ang baywang ko. He offered me a metal lighter.
It was dark...but this wonderful man beside me lit a passage out...just for me.
Confident, I opened the cover and flicked it open, watching how the two idiots froze with the light.
"B-Bullet! H'wag! P'wede naman nating pag-usapan 'to! S-sorry! Sorry at sinira ko ang bike mo!" Bernard exclaimed.
I played with my lighter, the flames dancing with every flick.
Nilingon ko ang mga kapatid at si Clau, madilim ang kanilang tingin. Ang asawa ko'y humigpit ang hawak sa baywang ko at nakakuyom na ang kamao.
This is for everyone...for every victim. For every lives lost and stolen.
"Fuck you! Fuck you! Akala mo makakaligtas ka na kapag napatay mo ako! Magsasama tayo sa impyerno!" Wyatt screamed.
"See you, then?" I tilted my head. "Pero mauuna ka."
I threw the lighter to the gasoline and as it lit and caught their clothes drenched with it, they burned.
Another song played in the stereo, swallowing their screams of pain and anguish.
Pinanuod ko sila na sumisigaw sa init nang yakapin sila ng apoy. The flames danced with them and all my pained, shattered pieces? It danced away with them.
Ang team na ang nag-asikaso sa sunog nilang mga bangkay. Yakap-yakap ko sina Kuya, Clau at Zy nang matapos iyon ang luha ay kumawala. Hindi sa sakit, kung hindi dahil sa ginhawa.
Malaya na kami.
My brother received a call kaya nauna na silang umalis na tatlo at naiwan kami ni Zy na naligo muna at nagpalit ng damit bago umuwi sa anghel namin sa bahay.
"Are you okay, honey?" Niyakap ako ng asawa sa likod, humahalik sa batok ko.
"Never been better," I heaved a relaxed sigh. "Thank you, Zy. Mahal na mahal kita."
"I'm in love with you, too," mas humigpit ang hawak niya sa akin. "Mahal na mahal."
Gusto sana naming kumain muna sa labas dahil gutom na ako bago umuwi but Mom called us to the ancestral. May simpleng handaan daw dahil papasok na si Twila sa school at secretly...dahil sa wala na ang sagabal sa buhay namin.
Zy and I are holding hands when we got out of his car when I smelled something disgusting.
"Oh, bango, ah? Anong iniihaw nila?" Zy asked.
I covered my mouth and without a word, ran inside the house towards the bathroom.
"Tish?!"
I puked. Lahat ata ng kinain ko buong araw ay sinuka ko.
"Tish...honey..." he pulled my hair up and tapped my back gently, waiting for me to finish until I'm only puking nothing.
Bumuntonghininga ako at napaupo sa lapag.
"Come here," kumapit ako sa kanyang batok nang buhatin niya ako paupo sa sink.
He took his handkerchief out, wiping my face with it. Hinalukay niya ang spare toothbrush nang hingin ko at inalalayan pa akong paalis sa sink para magsepilyo.
"Are you okay? What happened?"
"I'm not sure," napahawak ako sa t'yan. "Baka may nakain akong mali? Ano ba 'yong niluluto nila? Ang baho!"
He stiffened.
"Mabaho? It's just fish, and it smells good to me."
"Oh?" I spit and rinsed my mouth, facing him again. Pinunasan niya ang bibig ko, seryoso at nagtataka. "Zy? What's the matter? I'm okay, honey. Baka may nakain lang akong mali kanina kaya sumama ang sikmura."
His eyes dropped on my breast. Tumaas ang kilay ko.
"I'm fine, baby. Stop ogling over my tits. Ayaw ko no'ng amoy no'ng niluluto nila, ah? Gusto ko...hmm...naalala mo 'yong fave sandwich ko?"
Parang nabuhusan ng tubig ay bumalik ang tingin niya sa 'kin.
"With mayo and egg?"
"Yup! Gusto ko gawan mo 'ko no'n pero dapat 'yong itlog bagong labas sa pwet ng manok."
Namilog ang mata niya sa 'kin.
"Seryoso, misis?"
"Yep!" I popped the p. "Iyon ang ilaga mo, ah? Kapag wala, masa-sad ako. Tapos kapag sad ako, edi hungry na? Tapos kapag hungry mamamatay ako, tapos wala ka ng misis?"
Tumitig siya sa akin at napatawa ng malakas. My brow shot up.
Humalukipkip ako.
"Bakit ka natatawa? Tinatawanan mo ba ako?" Maldita kong tanong.
He cupped my cheek and laughed, "I'm getting crazy."
"Ano? Naiinis na ako, Zion, ah—"
"Wala, naisip ko lang...what if buntis ka?" He asked lightly.
Bigla akong natahimik. Natahimik din siya.
Natulala kami sa isa't-isa at napasinghap.
"PT!" We both exclaimed and rummaged in the bathroom but found none kaya mas nag-panic kami.
"Oh, God! What if I'm pregnant...what if..." napahawak ako sa t'yan.
"L-let's ask my cousins, baka mayro'n sila!"
Hawak niya ang kamay ko ay mabilis kaming tumakbo palabas sa may pool at nanigas nang may pumutok na confetti. Nakita namin ang pamilya na umpukan at sabay-sabay na sumigaw.
"Congratulations, you're pregnant!" They both exclaimed.
Napanganga ako. Lumagapak paupo sa lapag si Zion sa gulat.
We already had an idea but the confirmation was still surprising.
"Congratulations, Bullet and Zy!"
My eyes stung.
"H-how..."
"I noticed the signs," ani Mom na may malaking ngiti. "When I got your blood test, I checked and prepared this surprise! Congrats!"
Nahulog ang luha ko nang tumakbo si Twinkle, tumitili at pumapalakpak papunta sa amin.
"May kalaro na ako! May kalaro na ako!" She danced, wiggling her hips and butt.
May yumakap sa t'yan ko at nang magbaba ng tingin ay napatakip sa bibig nang makita ang nakaluhod na asawa, ang mukha ay nakasubsob doon, nanginginig ang balikat.
"Z-Zy..."
"I-I'm a father again...?" His bloodshot blue eyes stared up at me. Still surprised, I nodded and caressed his hair.
"Y-yes, Zy, confirmed. You're a father again."
His loud cries echoed. Nadagdagan pa 'yon nang umiyak din ang anak.
"T-Twila, why are you crying s-sweetheart?"
"K-kasi mommy, nag-iyak ang Daddy ko," she sniffed, "k-kaya nag-cry din ako..."
Kumawala ang tawa sa labi ko kasabay ng tawa ng pamilya.
"T-tara, bundat, hi tayo sa kalaro mo." Zy pulled her gently in front of my stomach where my daughter shyly waved.
"H-hello, baby! I'm...I'm Ate Twinkle! P'wede mo ako itawag na Agent Twinkle! Magaling ako mag-bang-bang! Paglaki mo turuan kita magpasabog—"
"T-that's enough, princess," mas napatawa ako nang pabirong hinila ni Zy si Twinkle at hinalikan ang pisngi.
"Ako naman. U-uh, hi, baby." Namula siya. "I'm...your Dad. Daddy gwapo na lang for short."
"Oh, there he is again..." Sibyl exclaimed.
"Ano ba, pretty ghourl! It runs in the blood!" ani Dad kaya muling nag-ingay ang lugar at habang naluluha at pinagmamasdan ang mag-ama kong humahalik sa t'yan ay may humaplos sa puso.
Everyone looks so happy for us. My family, friends...his family that's mine, too. Everyone.
"Twinkle, may gift ka pa kay Mommy at Daddy, 'di ba?" Zire called and confused, tumayo ang asawa ko at hinalikan ako, naglalambing ang mga mata.
"I-I love you, misis. Thank you," bulong niya bago sumulyap sa anak.
Twinkle was grinning, toothless. She hopped while holding an envelope.
She extended it to us.
"W-what is it, darling?"
"Documents po! Pag-enroll na ako sa school po!" She chirped.
Nagkatinginan kaming mag-asawa bago binuksan ang envelope at nakita ang birth certificate ng anak.
Name: Twila Klein Mancini Sandejas
Father: Zion Schauffer Buenavides Sandejas
Mother: Bevurleigh Leticia Bianchi Mancini
"Surpriseee! Real na real na baby n'yo na si Twinkle, Mommy and Daddy!" My daughter exclaimed, cheerful but sobbing.
My husband scooped her up and as he pulled us closer for a hug, I couldn't ask for more. I embraced them both, sobbing with them.
The shattered, pained pieces of my heart went to ashes with the people who destroyed and made it that way, only leaving the pieces that still beats. Pieces that still loves with the people who made it whole again. My husband, my daughter and another angel on the way.
Ah! My little precious family.
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