My Handsome Katipunero

KABANATA 31

"S-Santiago..." was the only word that escaped my mouth when I saw him lying on his stomach and was drenched with blood. My lips quivered. Napaupo ako. Pakiramdam ko nawalan ako ng lakas. I went numb. Nanghihina akong lumapit sa kanya. My heart was racing and my whole body was trembling. A heavy feeling started running through my veins.

I flipped him over and rested his head on my lap. Pansamantalang gumaan ang loob ko when I checked him. He was still breathing but it was ragged. I have to hurry and get him out of here.

I tapped his cheeks, "Santiago.. wake up. M-malapit na tayo, okay? Naghihintay s-sina Emilio sa dulo ng hancienda."

His eyes were closed and he looked like he was in deep pain. The rain poured even stronger. I tried to lift him but I failed. My legs were weak. I raised my head when I heard the patter of the guards' steps.

"Nandun sila!" I saw flashes of light coming from the woods. Mas lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Ibinalik ko ang tingin kay Santiago. Salty tears mingled with the drops of rain that rolled down my cheeks.

"Come on, Santiago.." my voice croaked. Inilibot ko ang tingin sa paligid hoping to see Emilio and Jose. But they're not around. They're not around. They must be waiting at the end of the hacienda. They can't help me. I'm all by myself.

Mas lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang marinig ang mas papalapit ng mga guwardiya. I held Santiago by his arms and tried to drag him. Halos bumaon na ang suot kong sapin sa paa sa putik pero hindi ko pa rin mailayo si Santiago sa lugar na 'to. He was to heavy for me to carry alone. Gusto kong tawagin sina Emilio. I want to shout for help.

Ang lakas ng loob ko kanina na magagawa ko 'to, but now, I'm losing hope.

"Tumigil ka!"

I sank to my knees

I hugged Santiago, covering him with my trembling body. I promised to bring him back. I promised. But I failed. Now, he's dying and I'm gonna get caught. My fingers curled into Santiago's wet cloth. Despair has enveloped me.

"Huliin niyo ang babaeng 'yan at dalhin pabalik sa kulungan ang lalaki," a baritone voice said. I hugged Santiago's unmoving body even tighter. I was clinging unto him.

"I'm sorry.." I whispered. "I'm sorry, Corazon. I'm sorry, Antonio. I couldn't bring him back."

Biglang may humawak sa braso at hinila ako patayo. "Ack!" I yelped. I could feel his nails burried into my skin. "Fuck it! Let go!"

"Sasama ka samin." Hinila niya ako palapit sa iba pa niyang kasamahan.

"No! Let me go!" I struggled. I know it's hopeless but shouldn't struggle for my life at least?

"Mukhang mamamatay na 'yang si Iglesias, tinyente. Dadalhin pa ba natin 'yan pabalik?" tanong ng isang payat na lalaki sa isang matanda ngunit matipunong lalaki.

Pinahid ng tinyente ang tubig ulan sa mukha nito, "Huwag na. Itapon niyo na lamang ang katawan niya sa ilog."

"Masusunod."

The thin guy walked towards Santiago. Mas lalo akong nagpumiglas. "Goddamn it! Wag niyo siyang hahawakan!" Sinipaan ko ang tuhod ng lalaking nakahawak sakin dahilan upang mabitawan niya ko.

"Puta!"

I quickly rushed towards Santiago but before I could reach him, a loud sound of gunshot reverbrated throughout the woods. Sumubsob ako sa putikan dahil sa gulat. I closed my eyes tightly and waited for the pain to stung.

Pero wala akong naramdaman. Agad kong kinapa ang aking likuran to check if there was blood or wound, pero wala. I quickly opened my eyes. Tumambad sakin ang katawan ng lalaking papalapit sana kay Santiago kanina na wala ng malay.