The Playing Coach's Manager (Redo)

Chapter Twenty Six

Natigilan ako. 

He's feeling guilty? This is new. 

"Claire, I know that Brigh is a jerk, but I do think he means it this time. He is regretting the things he did."

I nodded.

"The police are on their way. I contacted them earlier. Go inside the car so you can guys can rest. I know it's been tough."

Pumasok kami ni Kenji sa loob ng kotse at napansin kong nakatingin si Kenji sa kaliwang kamay niya na may gasgas. Hindi naman sobrang lala pero namumula ito at medyo nagdudugo.

"Anong nangyare?!" Hinawakan ko agad ang kamay niya to check it.

"Napuruhan din ako nu'ng sinuntok ko 'yung lalake kanina. Hindi ako sanay sa basag ulo."

"Kaya mo naman magpractice pa, right?"

Napakurap siya, "oo naman. Gagaling naman ito agad."

Napabuntong hininga ako. Finally, nagsisink in na sa akin ang lahat. Kenji almost got beaten to death and I almost got.... ugh! This sucks so bad.

Brighton...you jerk! You should be fucking okay or I'll kill you.

----

[Kenji]

"Well now, mister! Look at you!" Nakapamewang pa si Marie habang nakatingin kay Brighton na nakahiga sa kama ng ospital. Ang dami nitong pasa sa katawan at sugat. Talagang nakipagrambulan sila.

Nanatili lang kami ni Marie sa loob ng kotse hanggang dumating ang mga pulis at hinuli ang mga ang lahat ng mga nagrarambulan doon. Kinuha nila ang statement namin at inayos naman namin ang lahat kaya napakawalan ang grupo ni Brighton. Nandito kami ngayon sa ospital dahil napuruhan din sila.

"Good thing nothing serious happened to you," dagdag pa ni Marie.

"Well... I am strong," nakangising sabi ni Brighton.

Napapansin kong nagiinit na ulo ni Marie. 

"Mama mo, strong!" Sabi nito. "Pasalamat ka talaga at niligtas mo kami at sugatan ka kasi kung hindi, sinapak na kita! Sana talaga sinabi mo sa akin sa una pa lang para 'di ka na nasaktan. Depungol!"

"Claire, how many times do I have to tell you that I do not understand Tagalog?"

"Eh letse! Manigas ka!" Dabog nito at saka naglakad papaaalis ng kwarto.

"What did she say?" Tanong ni Brighton sa akin.

"She said you should be thankful that you saved us and you are bedridden because she wants to give you a punch on the face. She also stated that you should've told her everything so this could have been avoided." 

"That stupid Claire. How can I tell her if she blocked my messages a long time ago?" Tapos tumawa siya.

Napabuntong hininga ako.

"You have my gratitude," panimula ko. "I really.... really didn't know what to do when we got cornered. All I know is I will never forgive myself if something happens to her. Thank you for saving us." 

"I will also never forgive myself if something bad happens to her," sabi nito. "I am glad I helped, man."

Napangiti ako.