Del Rico Triplets #2: Retracing The Steps

Kabanata 24

There isn't any CCTV footage of the night they raped me. Noong makatakas ako sa kanila at malaman nilang nawala ako matapos ang aksidente, kumilos na sila at binura ang lahat ng bakas ng krimeng ginawa nila.

They continue their lives while mine stopped. People insulted me through social medias. Noong una ay tago pa ang pagkakakilanlan ko pero dahil may pera sila at nais nilang ma-distract ako, they released my personal information to the public.

Bangungot uli iyon sa akin. When I told the Del Rico that I am going to live on my own in exchange of keeping this child, they let me. Kaya lang, ang kagustuhang kumilos para sa sarili ko, lumabas at makagala ay hindi ko na nagawa.

In front of my apartment were reporters and journalist who wants to expose more of me. Like I am an interesting celebrity on the peak of her career. Hindi mga naawa iyon kahit kailan na nag-breakdown ako sa harap nila.

That's when Bjorne managed to bring me to his resthouse here in Bataan. Dito ko rin nakilala si Yanna na siyang naging kaibigan ko. The trial was done for months. Dahil sa dami ng pambabatikos sa akin at kung ano-anong mga ebidensya na walang katotohanan laban sa akin na naglipana, naging tagilid ang kaso. Mabuti na lamang at sa huli, napatunayan ang katotohanan,

Somehow, I felt at ease.

I needed to leave Manila and live here for the mean time. Yanna was supposed to leave with Bjorne. May career siya sa Manila but she decided to just stay here with me. Mas gusto niya raw na alagaan na lang ang buntis.

I caressed my baby bump. Mas lumaki iyon dahil marami akong nakain na mac and cheese. That's my comfort food and my comfort person is Yanna. Pinaglilihian ko siya at ang luto niya.

"Gusto mo bang lumabas tayo? Tara sa Galeria?" aya niya.

Ngumuso ako.

"Mabigat na, Yanna," tukoy ko sa tiyan na malaki na.

Ngumiwi siya at umikot ang mata.

"Isang buwan na lang manganganak ka na."

I smiled bitterly. Hindi naging mabilis ang paglipas ng buwan para sa akin. Ang daming nangyari. Mga bagay na nagdagdag lang ng pasanin ko sa dibdib.

"Hindi mo ba gustong nasa tabi mo siya?"

I was caught of guard as she asked that. No one tried to utter his name in front of me nor bring any topic about him. I never asked where he is. His existent vanished as soon as he turned his back on me on that day. Sa hospital kung saan natapos lahat sa amin.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that." Yanna has an apologetic smile. Her eyes became sad.

I just nod at her. It is okay, though. I can't get mad at her for that. She's the only one I have now. I can't lose her just because of that.

"Hindi na rin naman ako ganoon kaapektado. I just don't want to associate myself with him. Kapag nakapanganak ako, sa kaniya ko ibibigay ang bata." I took a sip at my juice before I continued. "Tutal siya naman ang may gusto rito, e."

Yanna sighed after hearing that. She is always like this whenever she sees me not having enough care for the baby inside me. Mas maasikaso pa siya sa akin at mahal na mahal ang bata. Sometimes, I asked her if she's only here because of the baby. That her concern is only for the child.

Sumisimangot lang ito sa akin at sasabihing napaka-negative ko.

"Ayaw mo ba na maalagaan man lang siya? Troi is nowhere to be found. Sinong mag-aalaga sa baby?" malungkot na tanong niya.

"His parents. They should be thankful na dinala ko pa rin ang bata sa sinapupunan ko at iluluwal ko. Sila na ang bahala kapag naipanganak ko na. Hindi ko na 'to responsibilidad."