Kabanata 5
Kabanata 5
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
ZION
I saw her. I saw her again!
How did I manage to hide my reactions? I wasn't so sure. Basta ang alam ko, that morning when I saw her face in the resume, I was in the highest cloud.
I was excited and looking forward for it. I wasn't even planning to meet applicants at sina Nelia na ang bahala but I considered and asked my secretary I could personally meet half the applicants to help her.
Honestly, I really do want to help her. Kahit 'di ko pa alam na nandito siya at mag-a-apply ay balak ko nang magsabi but that time, when I saw her again. I was decided and they can't stop me.
I will help my secretary.
Ang bait ko talaga.
Okay! Okay, I have an agenda! But still I will help Nelia...meeting my first love will be a side hustle.
First love.
Really, Zy? You fell in love with a girl in one night?
Ang sabi ng mga pinsan ay impossible. Kabobohan daw ang paniniwala sa love at first sight. Attraction at first sight, possible but love? It was such a big word to say this early. To accept this early.
But I've seen what love was for years with my parents. I knew their famous story. How the young Zeijan Cueno married the famous actress, Alyx Alarcon at first meeting and how they got here.
It was whirlwind, they said. Asar nga ang Mommy noon sa Daddy ko kahit pogi siya but looking at our family? How large we are? How perfect we are? How love and life reverberated in the walls of our home?
I know what love was.
Maybe, sure, I was just mistaking attraction with love but...I don't know. There was something about this woman that made me question things about myself.
Baka nga infatuation lang. Maybe I was just attracted at her. Maybe she thrilled me.
Maybe...
I have searched for her during those days after that night but all the proof she existed vanished. Akala ko nga nananaginip lang ako ng gising. Luckily, I was not.
That day where I'll meet her again for the interview, my parents dropped the princess in the office because Mom's having a mall show. They can't risk taking our youngest to a crowded room and I had no problem with that.
Mas madalas na kami ang nagbabantay kay Twinkle. Salitan kami ni Sibyl. Sometimes, Twinkle would be in the States with her for her therapies and sometimes, she was with me.
It's great that we get to spend time with her, bond with her but still, I can't help it.
I felt bad for that. I felt bad she couldn't experience the normal childhood.
Kaya ginagawa namin ang lahat para sa kanya. For her not to feel lonely, kapag may klase siya sa bahay sa private teacher niya na kakilala ni Tita Reah ay naroon ako o si Dad para makisali sa pagsagot o coloring na pinapagawa ng teacher.
We became her classmates. Sometimes, Zire, Sib and Mom, too, if they have free time.
She was home-schooled. Walang kalaro kung hindi kami o kaya ang kambal, Sunny and Sky kapag napupunta sila rito.
Hindi rin naman kami makapunta madalas sa bahay nina Macky-beybe ko at hindi ko alam kung sino ang nasa paligid namin. I didn't even know who to trust. High-level security wasn't even enough in my opinion that I'm sure there always be a mole out of our radar.
So, she stayed a secret. No public appearances. If there are events, we're making sure she'll blend in with the crowd and mostly, kapag family gathering lang madalas siyang malayang nakakaikot para mangulit sa mga pinsan at Tito niya.
I feel bad and sad. I know our family felt the same but for her safety. We have to do this for her safety.
We shouldn't let the incident years ago to happen again. We had enough trauma for our family.
Sibyl created an invisible wall with people around her—including us. She changed. Her mistrust and judgement ruined her life. It affected her way of living, kahit 'di niya iyon sabihin sa 'min. Nadagdagdagan pa dahil sa mga insidente sa stunt niya sa ballet at sa nangyari sa kanila ni Solomon.
Zirena was traumatized with blood she was trembling and hyperventilating seeing one. It was hard, knowing our job being a part of DEA and Intelligence includes a lot of underground fighting we're at risk of going back wounded.
If ever that happens, we make sure to stay out of her sight and my baby sister was so soft and bubbly, I was just glad she didn't lose her smile. I was praying for Sibyl to take back the happiness those assholes stole from her.
I wish for my family's peace. For my Mom and Dad who experienced a lot in this life. From Mom's recent mourning due to Papa Alejandro's lost and Dad's anxiety whenever he couldn't contact and reach his children.
Sibyl's attempt on her life still scares him. He was all smiles and all, joking all the time but I knew. I knew because I got it from him. Ako nga ang kambal ng tatay kong muntik nang mahulog sa matris ni Mama Lena, sabi nga nila.
Pero hindi ako nahulog sa matris ni Mommy. Pero may kumakalat na tsismis na kinain ko raw ang tae sa diaper ko.
Fuck.
Did I believe it? No.
I'll go with Tito Thorn's theory. Na baka napainom lang ako ng expired na gatas.
I took a glance at Twinkle again, almost smiling for even when I'm silent, the thoughts inside myself screams nothing but chaos.
Tang Inang, Zion. Hindi kaya natu-turn off sa 'yo si Bullet dahil ang ingay-ingay mo?
"Careful, Twila Klein," Mom reminded. "Mahulog ka sa upuan. Stop standing."
She immediately followed. Samantalang kanina'y sasabog na rin ang utak ko sa gulo sa opisina but when Bullet came in, spoke in the authoritative tone—which is fucking hot, by the way—she followed.
Just like that.
Do I have to change my ways, too? Gayahin ko sina Mommy at Sib na strict? Twinkle wasn't following me, or even Zire. Ang paraan lang para manahimik si Twinkle kapag kasama si Zirena ay kapag may suhol siyang pagkain.
Me and my Dad, well, she's following Dad more often than me. Sa akin ay para kaming magkaaway na best friends din minsan. I don't know.
My princess was adorable and I love her so much but there are times na gusto mo na lang siyang itali sa sofa para hindi magulo.
It dawned to me how chaotic our family was. But it's perfect, nonetheless.
For now, my only wish was for my sisters' recovery. I wish to protect Twinkle's life for her not to heal from the traumas she didn't even caused. Trauma she didn't even want.
And me?
I don't know. They said I lost something I didn't even know what.
My heart has been hollow for so long it only started feeling again when I saw her that night.
Bevurleigh Leticia Alonzo
Bullet.
Funny how that Bullet pierced me straight to the heart.
Ganito siguro ang naramdaman ni Dad no'ng nakilala niya ang Mommy. Will I ever experience a love like that? Advance lang kasi ako mag-isip at 'di nga 'ko gusto ni Bullet pero happy ending na kaagad ang nasa utak ko.
She didn't even like me...for now. I can change that.
I smiled while watching her silently helping herself with the home-cooked foods.
She was timid. Silent and stiff.
But so fucking beautiful.
I caught a glimpse of her black eyes when she caught me looking. I smiled. Her lips quirked but didn't smile back.
I almost groaned.
This will be a tough fight, Zy. She won't even sway with your smile!
Not everyone was here. Sibyl was out traveling back and forth to the Philippines and States for her photoshoots. She was a trendsetter, as Auntie Mauve said. When she was featured in cosmetics, it sold out and my princess is in demand now.
So, she's really busy. It's okay, though. She had found her love in photography, modeling, and acting. I rarely see her but what's important is that she's started going back to her life again, she had started healing.
Zire was busy, too. With Alon. Ayon at nag-iikot na naman silang dalawa sa modeling gigs ng boyfriend niya habang freelance journalist naman ang prinsesa ko.
Twinkle was still so young, so I don't have to worry about her suitors this early. Sa sunod ko na sila papakitaan ng pangmalakasang kick and punch ko kapag sumubok na sila.
I wasn't alone here. I'm sure as hell Dad would even massage my back and join me from stopping those men into taking our girls from us.
"Tapos, aagaw ni pangit ang lumpia!" Of course, nagsumbong ang batang sumbongera kay mommy na bumalik sa kusina para kunin ang ibang putahe.
I made a face at Twinkle when mom left. She rolled her eyes at me and showed me her newly fried lumpia.
"May lumpia ako, pangit! Bleh!" She stuck her tongue at me.
Challenged, I took a piece and took a bite.
"May lumpia din ako, akala mo ikaw lang? Bleh!" I stuck my tongue back.
Sumama ang mukha ni Twinkle. I made delicious sounds and showed her how much I'm enjoying the lumpia.
She pouted and pulled Dad's shirt, "Daddy, ayaw ko Zion pangit."
"Twinkle, 'nak, walang pangit sa pamilya natin..." ani dad.
Tsk! Kaya sa 'yo ako, eh!
Nagkatinginan kami ni dad at malaking nag-ngitian.
My man got my back! Nag-fist bump kami sa ere.
I heard a small scoff beside me. Napatingin tuloy ako at namangha nang mahuli ang saglit na pag-angat ng labi ni Bullet. It faded before I could even blink.
Did she smile? My chest rumbled. Did she...I want to see it again!
"I'm very sorry, hija. Kapag medyo mahangin dito sa kusina h'wag mo na lang pansinin at minsan may sumasamang bad spirit," mom appeared with a dish.
Dad and I groaned in unison.
Kontrabida ang mommy sa palabas at kontrabida rin sa kagwapuhan namin ni daddy. Mabuti na lang mahal na mahal namin 'to.
"Mommy!" Twinkle squealed.
"Hello, darling. Don't shout, baby, we're in front of our foods." She reminded. "And again, what did you call your brother?"
"Zion," Twinkle answered with a smile. Mom tilted her head.
"Pangit?" Agap pa ng kapatid pero nang mas nagseryoso ang mom ay nahulog na ang balikat ng bulilit. "Kuya..."
"Good girl," she smiled sweetly and sat graciously before glancing my way, "and you, big boy. Is it right arguing with your sister every day? Toddler ka ba?"
Nag-init ang mukha ko sa hiya sabay sulyap kay Bullet na seryosong nakatulala lang sa baso niyang walang laman.
I'm sure she's ashamed of me!
Wala na! Napahiya na 'ko sa first love ko, Mommy!
I gave mom a look. She just smirked at me and shrugged, pouting Twinkle's direction kaya nagkatinginan kami ng bunsong kapatid.
We know the drill.
"Sorry, litol star," I apologized.
"Sowry!" She answered me back. "Zion...pangit...ay! Kuya pala! Po!"
Sabay inosenteng ngiti niyang kita ang bungi.
I shook my head. This little wicked thing.
"Let's continue eating," ani mom kaya bumaling na ako sa plato habang pasimpleng pinapanuod si Bullet. Her shoulders are squared. She's tensed.
Inabot ko ang juice at nilagyan ang baso niya.
"Have you tasted Afritada already?" I asked, her beautiful black eyes gazed back at me. I noticed the rim around it—
"Not yet," she answered and looked back at her meal.
Tumayo ako para abutin ang bowl pagkatapos kumuha ni Dad at nilagyan ang plato ni Bullet na nagulat pa ata sa ginawa ko.
"Is this enough?" I asked.
She nodded her head and whispered her thank you's and I wanted to ask what's the matter but stopped myself. She still wasn't open to me. I won't force it but ever since we got inside our house, she was extra quiet and aloof.
I let her be.
It was too fast for her, considering she had just became my secretary and now she's already meeting the family with her boss.
Ako lang talaga ang feeling close sa aming dalawa habang siyang naiilang na narito siya. I shouldn't have taken her here this early.
What if she felt pressured? What if she backed out from being my secretary? What if this was too much—
"So, hija, Bullet, right?"
Thankfully, my mom spoke.
Nag-angat ng tingin si Bullet at tumango.
"Yes, Ma'am,"
"Hmm..." Mom smiled, "what a unique name, "I heard, napatahimik mo itong batang makulit?" Tukoy niya kay Twinkle na sunod-sunod ang subo ng pagkain habang ang dad ang pumupunas sa kalat sa labi niya.
"It's nothing much, Ma'am," Bullet offered a small smile. "I just did what I could to help and Twinkle's a very nice kid, right?" I caught her eyes softened upon looking at my sister.
"Yesh!" She answered, "Ate Bullet super gowgeousss! And! And! Marunong siya po mag...bang bang!" She then made a gun with her fingers.
Bullet tensed. I caught it briefly.
"You know how to use guns?" Mom asked.
Bullet chuckled, sipping on her juice.
"Just for simulation games only, Ma'am," she answered gently and that's when I remembered she told me about it that night, too.
"Oh, that's good, then! We have a private shooting range and if since you're already my son's secretary and you know how dangerous our line of work was, it's better to know how to do self-defense."
I noticed Dad. Normally, his mouth would run miles now just to welcome a new guest. He's always like that, welcoming and warm but now? He was quiet.
Abnormally quiet.
I observed him. Nakikinig lang siya sa usapan ni mommy at Bullet kung hindi niya lilinisan ang bibig ng kapatid na bunso.
"I'd love to, Ma'am."
They talked back and forth, about Bullet's educational background which I knew already. It's all written on her resume. She even had the same university as me back in College but I don't think we're batch mates.
If we are? She would never go unnoticed. I'm sure I'll be attracted to her—perhaps even court her but no, she wasn't familiar.
"So, why DEA?" Mom asked, "you've graduated to a nice university, correct? You could've get a career abroad. Why here?"
"I admire the agency's vision. I wanted to know more how they work. These days, talamak ang krimen na may kinalaman sa droga. Mga babae't kabataan ang madalas na biktima. There are a lot of people, too, who was falsely accused of it but the law can't do anything. I'm sure the higher ups have something to do with it. Framing the innocent while they could go free and roam around unscathed."
My lips quirked proudly.
That's my girl.
Mom nodded her head, pride dancing on her eyes. Even Zeijan Sandejas broke into a small, assuring smile.
"I like you," Dad blurted.
Nakita ko ang gulat sa ni Bullet. I hid my smile.
"Sir?"
"It's rare seeing well-aware individuals these days. I've interviewed a lot of people during my time in the agency but I haven't heard that kind of answer yet."
"Oh?" I asked, "didn't you interviewed mom before?"
Mom choked on her juice. Dad grinned.
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko, "what is it? May 'di ba 'ko alam?"
Mom shook her head, coughing.
"It was nothing! I'm an actress! Why would I—" she coughed more.Tumayo si daddy para abutin ang mommy para sana tulungan siya pero hinampas ng huli ang kamay niya.
"Zeijan Ruais!" She hissed. Dad cackled.
"Naalala mo 'yong interview natin, Misis—"
"Twila Klein, cover your ears!" Mom warned.
Twinkle, like usual, covered her ears while chewing.
"I'm gonna kill you, Zeijan," Mom hissed at him.
"Grabe ka naman, Misis! Naririnig ka ng princess—"
"Her ears are covered! Naririnig mo ba si mommy, Twinkle?" Mom asked.
Umiling si Twinkle.
"See? Wala! Halika rito!" But Dad was retreating on his seat like a coward and while they're bantering, a common thing my parents do, binalingan ko si Bullet.
Her eyes are soft and gentle while watching the two. My heart warmed, she might've noticed me watching because she looked my way.
And the warmth on it vanished. It hardened and went blank. Emotionless.
Hindi ko iyon sinabi, sa halip ay nginisian ko lang siya sabay iling.
"Pasensya ka na sa parents ko, alam mo na, minsan may kaunting imperfections din kapag perfect." I lightened the mood and I know it was effective.
Napailing siya sa akin at mahinang nagsalita, "you're weird, you know that?"
"Third name ko 'yang weird, hun," I whispered back.
"Third? What's the second?" She gave me a confused look.
"Gwapo," kumindat ako.
Her shoulders slacked. She closed her eyes, exhausted and done. I've been seeing that face every time with mom and Sibyl when the triplets—Me, Dad and Zirena—are on the loop.
"Anyway!" Sa isang palakpak ni dad ay napahiwalay kami ni Bullet at hinarap siya. "I'm sorry for that, Miss Bullet. Medyo may imperfections din talaga sa pamilyang perfect."
Bullet suppressed her amusement, I'm sure of that.
I said that, too, Dad.
"It's nothing, Sir."
"Anyway, I admire your reasons for joining our agency. I'm sure you'll help a lot in our cause," Dad nodded. "It's rare seeing people with the mindset like yours these days. Bonus pa ang kagandahan! Pasok ka na kaagad sa family."
I grinned, nodding.
"Gwapo," dad called when she glanced my way.
"Yes, pogi?" I asked.
"Kailan ang kasal?" Seryoso niyang sabi.
Bullet's face reddened.
Mom chuckled lowly. I grinned and shook my head.
"Stop teasing, Bullet," sikmat ko at kinindatan si dad.
More pa! More!
Nakuha iyon ni dad.
"Why not? Bagay nga kayo! Perfect plus perfect equals perfection!" He blurted, even doing a chef's kiss gesture.
Shit! Kaya idol ko 'to, eh!
Pinanlakihan ko pa ng mata si Dad para more pa kung hindi lang ako nakaramdam ng kurot sa hita ko. I jumped in shock, my wide eyes glancing at Bullet with her innocent face watching my parents.
Like she did nothing!
Nahulog ang mata ko sa palad ni Bullet sa hita ko, pabalik sa mukha niya.
She might have noticed her hand lingered on my thigh that long she started retreating pero bago pa man siya makalayo ay hinuli ko ang daliri niya.
I twisted my finger with hers, intertwining the tips until we're holding hands. I watched her reaction, waiting for her to pull her hand back from my grip. I can see her hesitating. I was ready to let go, to not make her feel uncomfortable when she gripped my hand back.
My breath hitched. Napatitig ako sa porma niya at sa kamay naming magkahawak at habang dinarama ang init na hatid ng kamay niya ay sigurado na ako.
I like her. I want her so bad.
After the dinner, iniwan ko si Bullet na nakikipaglaro kay Twinkle sa living room nang mamilit ang bulilit na manuod daw silang dalawa ng cartoons na pinapanuod niya. I think it was about a telepathic kid with pink hair.
Ginagaya niya iyon minsan at gusto raw niyang maging spy paglaki. She's fascinated with movies or anything related to that, I noticed. Twinkle was fearless.
"Zion," Dad called.
"Dad?"
"Follow me," aniya kaya tumango ako at iniwan ang dalawa sa living room habang sinusuklayan ni Twinkle ang buhok ni Bullet.
I saw my Mom in the hallway when I followed Dad to his office.
"What's the matter, you two?" She asked when she noticed.
"Nothing, Misis," Dad caught her for a kiss. "Just some underground work. We'll be having a meeting this week regarding this."
"Oh, alright," she nodded. "You need help?" She shot her brow up.
"We're okay," hinuli ni Dad ang iilang hibla ng buhok niya para ilagay sa likod ng tainga. "I'll tell you if we need Viper."
It made my mom chuckle. Humalik siya sa pisngi ni Dad bago ako tinapik sa balikat. I gave her a kiss on her forehead.
"I love you, My,"
"I love you, too, anak," her eyes softened. "I like your secretary, Zy. Good choice."
I grinned proudly. Tinapik niya ang pisngi ko.
"But yeah, she's your secretary, okay? I know that look. No monkey business during office hours..."
"Mom..." I whined, tumawa si Dad sa tabi ko bago ako akbayan.
"Why not, Ree? Remember before? Hirap nating nag-adjust sa office no'ng magkasama na tayo kasi ibang business ang gawa natin—"
Mom glared. Mas lumakas ang tawa ko nang umugong ang singhap ni Dad sa suntok ni mom sa balikat niya.
"Shut up, Sandejas, mahiya ka naman sa anak mo!" Ani mom.
"Mahiya, eh, ang laki-laki na n'yan?" He gestured me. "Baka mamaya lang magulat tayo, lolo na 'ko!"
"What if?" I asked.
They both stiffened.
"A-am I a grandma?" Mom gasped and touched her hair.
"Seryoso ba, gwapo?" ani Dad, "'yong totoo—"
"What if lang!" I grinned, "but nope, h'wag kayong mag-alala. Beybe ko si Macky pero wala pa 'kong balak mag-surprise apo sa inyo. Baka kasi maangasan ko si Zeijan Sandejas sa kagwapuhan kapag may puti na siyang buhok."
Binatukan ako ng tatay ko.
"Kahit kulubot na ang mukha ko sa future, ako pa rin ang pinaka. Pangalawa ka lang sa 'kin, Zion. Itanong mo pa sa Mommy mo. 'Di ba, Misis—" but when he glance at mom, she was graciously walking away to escape the wave of bad spirit.
Dumiretso kami sa office. I waited 'til dad was done printing something from his computer and walked my way.
"Bevurleigh Leticia Alonzo," Dad read out loud. "Bullet for short."
I nodded.
"She still hasn't signed the employment contract, Dad," I told him. "Biglaan kasing nanganak si Nelia kanina."
"It's okay, you can walk her through the contract tomorrow. You have a copy in the office, right? Or should I send you one?"
"Mayro'n na," I answered. "It's all good. Why did we go here?"
Hindi umimik si Dad. He rested his back on the table while I sat on the sofa to wait for him to talk. This was unlike him. Tumagal ang tingin niya sa resume ni Bullet kaya nagsalubong na ang kilay ko.
"Dad?" I called, worried this time. "Is there something wrong? With her?"
"No, nothing..." umiling si Dad. "Just...have you met her before?"
I nodded. He tensed.
"When?"
"Bar," I answered. "Just this month."
Pinanuod ko ang ekspresyon niya at ang muling paghulog ng tingin niya sa resume.
"Why, Dad?" I repeated, "is there something wrong?"
"Other than that, have you meet her somewhere?" Umiling ako. "Is she a danger to us?"
I hesitated asking. Is she was...I don't know. I like her but if it would risk my family then...
"No, not that," umiling si Dad at nanahimik saglit bago ako balingan. "I was just worried about your safety. She's a nice kid, I can sense it but there's something more to her. I saw her eyes, Zy. Blank. Empty. I used to see that look on your mother's eyes."
"You mean to say..."
"She might be going through something, I'm not sure. Let her sign an NDA."
My shoulders tensed, "Dad..."
"I know you like her, son, but would you risk your sister's safety for it?"
I didn't think twice and shook my head.
"No,"
"Good. Just for precaution, anak. I'm not doubting your secretary or anything and I trust your judgment. We just had to make sure to prioritize your little sister. If you like her and she did, too, then I have no reasons to stop you. Alam mong gusto ko palagi ng ma-drama pero 'di naman ako aabot sa kagaya no'ng mga nakatungkod na lolo sa palabas sabay sabing, 'magkano ang kailangan mo para layuan ang anak ko?'" He acted sabay lakad na parang may tungkod at rayuma.
Napabughalit ako ng tawa.
"Kaya idol kita, Daddy Gwapo, eh!" Inuto ko siya.
Tumango naman siya sabay angat ng kamay at bow sa 'kin. Ngumisi siya.
"As a father, do whatever you like, Zion. I don't care. I saw you laughing earlier and I like the sound of it," he noticed. "But as your boss..."
I stood and straightened. Sumaludo ako sa kanya.
The side of his lips tilted and saluted back at me. "Just be alert, 'kay?"
"Sir, yes, sir!" Ibinaba ko ang palad.
He tapped my back, "they all knew you're the acting director. They'll look at you as a weakness and they'd use it to infiltrate us."
"Yes, Archer."
"You'll be the bait and our ace. If they took the bait, trap them and what will you bring?"
Adrenaline pumped inside my chest as I nod, "death."
"Good, Reaper," he smirked at me. Nanatili akong seryoso at tuwid ang tayo.
He tapped my back, "go on, son. Take her home, it's late."
"Thanks, Dad," Umatras ako bago tumalikod pero bago pa ako makalabas ay narinig ko ang tawag niya sa 'kin.
"Zion?"
"Po?" I looked back.
"Bullet. Take care of her," aniya na inangat ang tingin mula sa resume pabalik sa 'kin. I gave him a questioning look. He just smiled knowingly.
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