Marahan kong hinila hanggang sa dibdib niya ang kumot bago ko dinampian ng halik ang noo niya. Nakangiti ko ring sinuklay ang malambot niyang buhok gamit ang mga daliri ko.
"Thank you for escaping this sorrowful reality with me." I whispered in soft tone. "I love you." Ilang segundo ko pa siyang tinignan bago ko napagdesisyonang umalis sa condo niya.
Pagkadating ko sa parking lot dumeretso ako agad sa koste ko. I started the engine and drove off. Ala singko palang ng umaga at sa tingin ko ay malapit nang sumikat ang araw.
Bago ako tuloyang umuwi huminto muna ako sa 24 hours open store para bumili ng mga kailangan para lulutoin mamaya. Today is the day of meeting, a meeting with Nathan Santiago. We'll be talking about business over lunch. At dahil sa meeting na ito magiging madali saakin ang maikulong siya. Speaking of kulong, I suddenly remembered, Haven, kamusta na kaya siya? I just hope that Lucifer is treating her nice.
After buying everything that I need, I went back to my car and put all the groceries item at the passenger seat. I fasten my seatbelt and went on my way again. Nang makarating na ako sa mansion, as usual, the gate is wide open. Everyone who have the eagerness to enter the lion's den is very welcome. As I slowly drove in this long entrance road, I started being amaze on how the tip of the pine trees and roof of the mansion are being hidden by the thick fog.
I parked my car on the garage and took all the groceries before going inside the quite house. I went straight to the kitchen to unpack my groceries and put them on where they should belong.
"Good morning, Satana." Usal ng biglang sulpot na si Lucy.
"Morning." I greeted back.
"Where did you stay all night?" I anxiously glance at him, making sure if he really wanted to know or he just wanted to confirm it.
"At Vraxx's place." I said in bored tone and continued what I am doing.
"Ah." I ain't even looking but I know for sure that he's stupidly nodding right now. "Anong oras ba pupunta dito si Santiago?"
"Probably at lunch. I told him that we're going to discuss the meeting over a lunch, here at my house." I stated and closed the cabinet. I took all the plastic bags and put them in the trash can. "Alam mo naman na ang gagawin, Lucifer, please stick with the plan."
"I already failed you once, Satana, and I'm not planning on doing it twice."
"Mabuti na ang malinaw. By the way, napakain mo na ba yung pusa? She must be hungry."
He chuckled. "I fed her last night, she's a bit feisty."
"Don't go easy on her, Lucy, cats loves playing tricks." I tapped his shoulder as I past him by. "Start preparing, we don't want to embarrass ourselves to our guest." I heard him sighed as I left him there at the kitchen.
Tahimik akong umakyat sa hagdan at deretso ang tingin habang naglalakad dito sa mahabang hallway. Gusto ko na sanang dumeretso sa kwarto ko para mag ipon nang lakas pero awtomatiko akong huminto sa harapan ng pinto ng kwarto kung nasaan si Haven. Hindi naman siguro masamang makipaglaro sa pusa ng ganito kaaga.
I touched the doorknob gently, emphasizing my thumb to the handle as it scanned ny fingerprint. Lahat ng pinto sa bahay na ito ay ako at si Lucy lang ang tanging makakabukas, unless it'll be controlled at the operator's room. Once I heard the click, I twisted the knob and got in. Pero pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko palang ay isang mababasagin na vase ang paparating sa pwesto ko. With widened eyes I was fast enough to avoid the it.
"You bitch!" She yelped.
"What the hell?" Natatawa kong usal. "Damn. Is it normal for cats to be this grumpy early in the morning?" I teased. She glared at me with those firing bloodshot eyes. She literally look like a freaking mess.
"I knew it." She uttered as she tried to attack me but unfortunately those chains are such a burden. "I knew from the beginning that you're a monster! Isa kang demonyo!" Wala sa sarili akong napahalakhak.
"Monster? Demonyo?" I licked my lips in annoyance. "What are you? A 12 years old kid?"
"Ano bang kailangan mo saakin, Athena?! Nakuha mo na ang lahat, what else do you want from me?!"
"Not everything, Haven. As you can see, you still have your life." I stated without hesitance. "Buhay mo kapalit sa buhay ko at sa buhay isang taong walang kaalam alam pero dinamay mong hayop ka." My lips were trembling and my jaws are clenching in so much anger.
"Oh that little secretary of yours? Kung nandito ka sana edi sana ikaw yung nam--" Mabilis ko siyang nilapitan at sinuntok dahilan kung bakit hindi niya natapos ang gusto niyang sabihin. Pero matunog lang siyang napangisi at matalim akong tinignan. "Yes, I was the one who ordered someone to attack her but you're as much to blame for her death. Your were the main target pero dahil wala ka at nagpapakasaya sa malayo, of course I needed to target someone else then. Pero hindi ko alam na sibrong espesyal pala sayo ng babaeng iyo--" This time I choked her.
Gigil na gigil kong hinawakan ang leeg niya hanggang sa maubo na siya mahirapang makahinga. At nang makita kong nahihirapan na talaga siyang makahinga patapon ko siyang binitawan dahilan kung bakit napasalampak siya sa sahig.
"You don't deserve to die easily." I said as watched her gasped and coughed for an air. "You were always this stupid and weak, Haven. Mas lalo kapang pinahina at pinabobo ng kainggitan mo. Rest well, we will be having a fun game tonight."
I glared at her for a couple of seconds before deciding to go out. As the door locked I leaned my back on it as her words replayed in my head.
"Yes, I was the one who ordered someone to attack her but you're as much to blame for her death."
"And that's maddeningly true." I whispered. I frustratedly slammed my hand to the door behind me and wiped my tears. "Kahit bagohin mo pa ang ikot ng mundo, Haven, hindi mo parin mapapalitan ang katotohanan na ikaw ang may kasalanan kung bakit nasa ganito tayong lahat sa sitwasyon na 'to."
Nagpatuloy na lang ako sa paglalakad para makapunta sa kwarto ko. Kumuha ako ng gunting at demeretso sa banyo. Inalis ko sa pagkatali ang buhok ko at maayos itong inilugay. At pagkatapos ay hindi na ako nagdalawang isip pang putolin ito gamit ang gunting. I cut my hair short so that it wouldn't be a burden to me. I was living for too long which made my hair longer. From waist length hair I cut it to neck length hair. Tinipon ko lahat ng pinutol kong buhok at itinapon iyon sa basurahan.
Pagkatapos kong magbabad sa bath tub at maligo eksaktong bumuhos ang malakas na ulan. Pumunta ako sa harap ng malaking bintana para pagmasdan ang buhos ng ulan. I was staring at it too much to the point that I haven't noticed my phone ringing. Mabilis akong umiling para matauhan ako bago ko kinuha sa ibabaw ng bed side table and cellphone ko. I frowned when I saw an unsaved number.
"Who is this." I seriously asked.
"It's Nathan." Bahagyang nawala ang kunot sa noo ko. "My apologies for calling you, I took your number from your secretary."
"I don't mind, Mr.Santiago. Why did you call?"
"I wanted to asked you personally if the meeting is still perdure?" I remained silent. "I-I mean, due to this bad wether we could reschedule our meeting."
"I don't have much time for another schedule, Nathan." I formally said, trying to be professional. "If you can't come today, might as well to cancel my investment to your company."
"Please no!" I heard a loud sighed from him. "I'll be there at exactly the time of our meeting."
"Well then, see you later, Mr.Santiago." I ended the call with a smirk on my lips. "I can't wait to see you, Nathan."
Lumabas ako sa kwarto at pumunta sa unang palapag na bathrobe lang ang suot. Dumeretso ako sa kusina at naabotan kong focus na focus si Lucy sa pagluluto. Bigla na lang akong natawa dahilan kung bakit napalingon siya saakin.
"It's raining cats and dogs outside." Tinuro niya pa ang pool area.
"Yeah, I know. Kita ko naman. Tss." Inirapan ko siya at ipinagkross ang braso ko. "Gusto ko sanang sa labas kumain kaso bigla naman umulan. Nakakainis. Ayaw ko dito sa loob kasi baka biglang gumawa ng katarantadohan si Haven."
"Rooms are soundproof, Satana."
"Tsk. Kahit na." Tumingin sa orasan at 10:30 na pala. Time seems to be passing to freaking fast. "We have 30 minute left before his arrival, Lucifer." Pagkatapos ay muli akong bumalik sa kwarto ko para mag ayos.
I wore a black high waisted slack, I paired it with my red tank top and covered it with a black feminine suit. Pagkatapos ay naglagay ako ng simpleng make-up. Eksaktong pagtapak ko sa unang palapag ay dumating na si Nathan. Lucifer opened the front door wearing his formal suit.
I heave a deep sigh before walking towards the front door to formally welcome him. Although the heavy rain is still pouring Lucifer still managed to offer Nathan an umbrella. A glimpse of smirk secretly drew to my lips as he politely rejected Lucy's offer and made his own way.
"Good Morning, CEO McDebil." He formally offered his hand for a handshake which I gladly took. "You have a very lovely and huge home."
"Small things." I swiftly took back my hand nad gestured him to come in. "Come in, make yourself at home, Mr.Santiago."
"Please drop the formality, Satana. Hindi ako sanay makipag-usap sayo ng ganito kapormal." Bahagyang siyang natawa pero napangiti lang ako.
"Oo nga eh." I chuckled. "Shall we start the meeting?"
"Of course!" Masaya niyang usal. Lucy lead us the way to the dining area which is everything is already prepared. From the table utensils, and napkins, and the foods and drinks.
"Have a seat, Sir." Patago akong napangisi nang ipinaghila pa ni Lucy si Nathan umupoan. He perfectly understood the assignment.
"Hindi naman na kailangan pero salamat."
"Please enjoy the food, Sir." He slightly bow his head before standing a little bit behind me at the right part.
"He's Lucifer, by the way. He cooked all of these. He's my personal assistant and guard." Pauna kong sambit. We're at big a round table literally almost three meters apart.
"No wonder. Kayo lang nandito? Where's Tyrine?" Kumuyom ang kamao kong nakapatong sa hita ko nang bigla niyang banggitin ang pangalan na iyon.
"She went back to California for a vacation." I simply said. "As for our meeting, what are you planning to do to save your company? Any plans? I've heard nalulugi na daw kayo." He took a sipped of water and cleared his throat as he prepared to speak.
"Parang ganoon na nga." He sadly sighed but later on he looked at me with a bright smile. "I was planning to have a new project which is a Resort."
"A resort?" He nodded. "What kind of resort? Beach resort, Pool Resort, what else?"
"Beach resort. Since I already owned an empty Island, I am planing to build a resort there. Depending on your investment, of course."
I chuckled. "5 Billion. Will that be enough?" His eyes widened in shock. "You seems not very well prepared for this meeting, Mr.Santiago. "
"I-I am prepared. It's just that I was surprised for the amount of money that you're going to invest." Naghahalo ang tuwa at gulat sa mukha niya ngayon, habang ako ay nakangiti lang. "That 5 Billion will really help the whole project."
"So, it is settled?"
"Hell yeah."
"Should we sign contract at a Media conference?" I suggested. "For sure you will regained business world trust when they found out that I invested in your company."
"Sound a good plan." Pagsasang-ayon niya. "I guess we will let our secretaries to schedule it for us."
"Of course. Shall we have toast?"
"Oo naman." And with that being said, using my pointing finger I gave Lucy a sign to poured our glasses with the champagne. "Thank you." Hinawakan niya ang baso at pagkatapos ay masaya siyang tumayo. "Cheers?" I had no choice than to stood up also and genuinely toast my glass with his.
"Cheers." At sabay naming ininom ang alak. Itinago ko na lamang ang ngisi ko sa pamamagitan ng pag-inom sa baso ko habang nakatingin sa kaniya.
Isn't it entertaining to watch someone who's so pathetically enjoying? Wala siyang kaalam-alam sa kung anong sunod na mangyayare. At ako din naman, I might have planned all of this but I still don't know what to expect. I'm not sure but I think something is really off. The atmosphere is just so bland and very unpleasant.
"Nga pala, wala na akong masyadong naririnig kay Vraxx. How is he?" He suddenly asked as we went back to our seats, literally out of nowhere.
"He's busy as usual." Sabi ko na lang habang hinihiwa ang steak sa plato ko.
"Really? Damn, that man needs a break." Iling-iling nitong usal habang hinihiwa rin ang kaniyang steak. "Bakit hindi mo siya inimbitahan ngayon dito?"
"I don't think thats appropriate and besides, he's busy." I'm getting uncomfortable with this conversation.
"Sabagay." Bahagya siyang natawa. "I should have been invited Haven instead."
"Yeah. You should have been."
"But apparently she's missing." Bahagya akong natigilan pero hindi ko pinahalata. "Kaya nga ayaw ko sanang makipagmeeting ngayon kasi tinutulongan ko ang mga awtoridad para hanapin siya."
"Yeah." Kunwareng malungkot kong sabi at tinignan siya. "Nakita ko sa balita na naaksidente pala yung sinasakyan niya."
"May alam ka bang pwede niyang puntahan?" Deretso niyang tanong. Ngayon ay medyo nahihirapan na akong basahin ang kaniyang emosyon.
"Wala." Usal ko. "Since I got back, we really haven't got a time to cope with each other."
"I was just hoping that maybe you know som--" Agad siyang natigil sa pagsasalita nang makarinig kami ng malakas na ingay mula sa taas. It was like Haven hit herself to the door. Napalunok ako habang ilang segundong nakipagtitigan sa kaniya bago kami halos sabay na napatingala. "What was that?" Kunot-noo niyang tanong.
"Sorry about that. I locked my cat upstairs, she doesn't like visitors." I lied directly into his eyes before sipping on my glass.
"It must be a really big cat." He uttered. Maingat kong inilapag sa mesa ang baso ay ngumiti.
"Yes it is. She's feisty." Tumaas ang pareho niyang kilay na tila ba natutuwa siya sa sinabi ko. Magsasalita na sana ako ulit pero biglang lumapit saakin si Lucy at agad na inilapit ng bibig niya sa may tenga ko.
"He knows." He whispered and even blocked his hand so that Nathan wouldn't be able to read his lips. I frustrated bit my lips and grinned. I knew something is fucking off.
"Our cat must be so hungry, Lucy. Go fed and pet her." Utos ko nang hindi inaalis kay Nathan ang paningin ko at ganoon din naman siya saakin.
"As you wish, mademoiselle." He slightly bow to me before respectfully turning his back on us.
"You're PA is a fine man, Satana. Where did you get him? I think I also need one."
"He's the last one. Hindi ako ang nakahanap sa kaniya, Nathan. Siya ang nakahanap saakin." Saad ko na ikinakunot-noo niya.
The whole table were sealed with sharp silence. Nagsusukatan kami ng tingin at naghihintayan kung sino ang unang bubukas ng bibig. Pero kitang-kita ko ang namumuong galit at takot sa mga mata niya.
"Hand her over and we will leave like nothing happened." He finally speaks.
"Who?" I innocently asked.
"Don't fuck with me, Athena!" I raised a brow when he suddenly slammed the table. "I know she's here. Sinabihan niya ako na kung may mangyare daw sa kaniya na masama pumunta daw ako sayo dahil ikaw daw ang may kagagawan." Mariin ang bawat bigkas niya ng mga salita. Para bang siguradong-sigurado na siya na nasaakin nga ang hinahanap niya.
"At naniwala ka naman?" Bahagya akong natawa akong natawa bago ako muling uminom ng alak sa baso ko.
"Walang nakakatawa!"
"Don't fucking yell at me!" Pabagsak kong inilapag ang baso sa mesa nang napatayo ako. I am now loosing my damn patience. "Baka nakakalimotan mong nasa bahay kita, Nathan. Umalis kana bago ko pa bawiin ang pagtulong sa kompanya mo." Inayos ko ang suit ko at tumalikod na.
Nang makarinig ako ng kasa ng baril ay agad akong natigil sa pag-alis at dahan-dahan ko siya muling tinignan. He stood straight and determined as he point the gun on me. I could feel the corner of eyes my heating as the tears started to build.
Deja Vu. Hindi ko inaasahang pagkatapos ng sampong taon ay muli niya na naman akong matutokan ng baril.
"Please I don't wanna do this again, Athena. Just let me and Haven go at walang masasaktan."
"Again?" Mapait akong napangisi. "Ah Oo nga pala." Ilang segundo akong tumawa bago muling nag seryuso. "You shot me before."
"Haven was right all along." He uttered as if realization finally hits him. "You were seeking for revenge, inisa-isa mo kami. Una si Clyde, sumunod si Ken, at ngayon kami na ni Haven."
"Hindi ko alam na ganito ka pala kabobo para ngayon lang malaman." Nakangiwi kong saad. "Of course Haven was right! Dumbass. Sa tingin niyo mananahimik lang ako? Syempre hindi. Forget and forgive is a whole damn shit."
"Y-Youre... You're a psycho!" He yelled in disgust and fear.
"Oh babe, I'm more than just a psycho." I said while laughing. "Alam mo yung nakakatuwa, Nathan? Yun yung nagduduga kana nga itinuloy mo pa."
"W-What do you mean?" Nauutal niyang usal kaya natawa na naman ako. "I will fucking shoot you if you don't stop laughing!"
"You know, it's really nice to have this meeting with you, Mr.Santiago. Isipin mo na lang na para mo na rin lang ipinagkasundo sa demonyo ang buhay mo." Ipinagkross ko ang mga braso ko at dahang-dahang naglakad papalapit sa kaniya.
"Wag mo akong lapitan! Shit!" Napasandal siya sa mesa nang pilit niyang nilalabanan ang pagkahilo. "Anong nangyayare?! What the fuck did you do to me, Athena?!"
"I am so lucky to have such a stupid and fool prey." Marahas kong inagaw sa kaniya ang baril at pinagmasdan ko siyang napaupo ulit sa silya niya sa sobrang pagkahilo. Sinusubokan niya pang tumayo at saktan ako pero parang hangin na lamang ang bawat atake niya. "Good thing that you have a nice and playful predator, Nathan. Hindi ko gagawing madali ang lahat. Tulad ng ginawa mo saakin ay magmamakaawa ka ring mabuhay."
"A-Athe--" Hindi ko na siya pinatapos, malakas kong sinapak ang ulo gamit ang baril para makatulog na siya.
"Anong klase bang pangpatulog ang nilagay ni Lucifer?!" Inis kong singhal sa hangin.
"Bakit?" Gulat akong tumingin sa may gilid ko nang bigla na lang siyang sumulpot.
"Tanginamo! Ang tagal umepekto ng lason mo! Kung hindi ko pa sinapak yan, hindi pa makakatulog." Marahas akong nagpakawala ng hangin.
Iinom sana ako nang tubig nang biglang magring ang cellphone ni Nathan. Agad namang kinuha ni Lucy sa bulsa ng suit ni Nathan ang cellphone at binigay saakin. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makita kong number lang ang nasa screen. Nag-aalangan man ay tahimik kong sinagot ang tawag.
"Sir Nathan, this is from the police station, we received your signal at papunta na po kami dyan." Nanlalaking mga mata akong napatingin kay Lucifer. "The police are on their way, they'll be arriving before 15 minutes." I immediately ended the call and throw the cellphone.
"Tsk. Lintek." Bulong ko at hinawakan ang magkabilaang braso ni Nathan para kaladkarin papuntang basement. "Clean this mess, Lucy. Ako nang bahala dito kay Nathan." Agad naman siyang tumango at sumunod.
Hindi ko man lang naramdaman ang bigat ni Nathan nang bumaba ako sa hagdan kasi hinayaan ko na lamang siyang magpagulong-gulong pababa dito sa basement. He is in deep sleep he won't feel any pain unless he woke up.
"Ng dahil sa pagtawag mo ng mga pulis, muli na namang madagdagan ang mga kalanan ko." Inis ko siyang tinadyakan bago ko siya tuloyang iniwan roon.
Vengeance from hell is about to start.