Stuck At The 9th Step

CHAPTER 53 : FEISTY

#SAT9S

DEDICATED TO : LYNARD MAE ARMENSIO ESPINOSA

CHAPTER 53 : FEISTY

"Do you know a girl named Rhea Louisse Marval?" I was talking to Rex over the phone while looking to the passport of the girl who distressingly collapsed in front of me. I couldn't help but link all the similarities they have. I only knew one family who bears the same surname, and it happened that Rex is the only Marval I knew in New Zealand. No matter how strange it was, I still think they are related. Somehow. There was a fifty-fifty chance. Hindi ko maiwasang isipin kung sinadya ba 'to o nagkataon lang.

I brought her to the hospital, my hospital rather. The airport personnel offered assistance but I declined. I even lie to them by saying that she's my girl. Buti na lang at nagawa kong makalusot sa mga tanong nila. And thank God she didn't wake up or else I would be branded as a fool-who-tries-to-kidnap-a-helpless-girl.

The doctor said stress was the main reason of her sudden unconsciousness. He states some possible factors like lack of sleep, over-thinking, anxiety, etc,. I could see it myself. Even in her sleep, she looked restless. There were traces of dried tears in the corner of her eyes that smudged her make up a little bit. Nevertheless, this girl is quite attractive. Undeniable.

But before letting this attraction get down into my groin, I want to confirm my conception. Hindi pwedeng unahin ko pa 'to kaysa sa mga hinala ko. If she's related to the three assholes, I wouldn't dare to lay a finger. Not that I'm afraid, pero alam kong hindi ako sasantuhin ng tatlong iyon. I took a glimpse of her image, the one inserted on her passport. I spit a soundless cuss. The resemblance was transparent. She's like a girl version of Roy. Now, I don't think this was just a series of fucking coincidence. The assholes never mentioned about them having a sister.

"Why?"

"Don't ask why. I'm only expecting a 'yes' or 'no' for an answer."

He sighed, letting out a sign of defeat. "Yes. Why?"

"Is she related to you?"

"She's my sister." He paused for a moment. I almost roll my eyes. See? My instincts are still reliable. Hindi lang 'to nagkataon. "Don't. . .tell me you're with her?"

"What if I am?" I challenged. I crossed my arms and lean my back on the seat. A wide-mischievous grin starting to form on my lips. Hindi ko alam kung takot ba 'tong may gawin ako sa kapatid niya. "You never mentioned her to me. Are you trying to hide your sister from a venomous friend?"

"Puro ka kalokohan. Nagkasalubong ba kayo dyan sa airport? My father just called. Hindi ko inasahang ngayon siya uuwi galing Pilipinas. And how did you know her?"

"We're not on the airport."

"What?"

"Go in my hospital. Nandito kami ngayon."

"Wait, kasama mo nga si Rhea?" The asshole sounds frantic. Seems like he can't fully trust anyone when his sister is the concern. What a protective brother. "Bakit kayo nandyan? May nangyari ba?"

"Don't panic. She just lost her consciousness-"

"WHAT?" I heard a long screeching sound on the other line. Must be his breaks. I cussed Rex over the phone.

"Calm down, fucker. She's fine. You must get yourself here alive, for you to see your sister. Focus on your driving." I ended the call immediately, then sighed.

In one quiet moment, a vague pattern of memories flashed into my mind. The first time I saw their family photograph inside Ryan's wallet, I completely thought that their youngest sibling was a girl-looking boy. Hell. She's a real girl. I never saw recent family photographs on their apartment. All of it was taken ages ago. Mostly, their teenage days. Walang mga bagong litrato ng pamilya. Lagi akong napapatingin sa mga estanteng puno ng frames at wala ni isang babae na naligaw ro'n maliban sa wedding photo ng mga magulang nila. I recall those few times that I've asked them about their youngest sibling but they intentionally made me believe that they were an all-boy family. Was it due to their protectiveness over their only girl or just a way to make fun of me? If it's the latter, I would hunt them one by one.