Ashton Caesarea.
"Ashton's here.." Saakin lahat ng mata nila napunta ng makapasok ako sa bahay ng mag-asawang Layton. I, on the other hand, immediately looked at him. Siya agad ang hinanap ng mata ko pag-pasok ko. After our eyes met, I slowly smiled at him and he just gave me a grin before looking away. I just chuckled then walk towards my mom.
My mom, Tita Ayumi, Tita Kendra, Tita Adrienne, Tito Jayden and Tito Yuan are here. Pati ang dalawang kaibigan ni Hugo na sila Haru at Cayden ay nandito din. Nginitian agad nila ako and welcome me like they've been waiting for me. They waited enough and I'm not running away like I always do. I'm gonna face my problem... together with them.
"Hey there honey." Niyakap ako ni mommy and I just closed my eyes to feel her embrace.
"I'm glad you're here, Ashton." Nginitian ko nalang si Tita Kendra dahil wala naman din ako masabi dahil sa hiya ng ginawa ko pero alam kong naintindihan naman nila.
"Are you ready to fight our assy baby?"
Pinusitsitan naman siya ni mommy na parang may nasabi si Tita Adrienne ng hindi nagustuhan ni mommy. "Don't call her that, Adrienne!"
"Sorry, She really has a defined nice ass!" Maybe it's because I'm wearing a tight jeans that Leigh bought for me. She's right, it defines my ass more. Natawa nalang ako sa sinabi niya.
"I love your cute ass though. If you don't love them, I'm always here to embrace your insecurities with you." Saad naman ni Tito Yuan sakaniya. Agad naman akong kinilig sa sinabi niya.
Always find a man who will love you not just for your looks or personality but someone who's willing to accept for who you are, your flaws or imperfections.
"Itabi mo nga 'yang kalandian mo."
"We're really happy having you here. We've been waiting for you especially.. our dear Pugo." Ani naman ni Tita Ayumi na nginunguso si Hugo na kausap sila Haru at K.
"And I kinda felt bad for running away, it's like giving up on him at the same time."
"You're good honey. You just wanted everyone safe but we really must do something to stop Efren that's why we're doing this." Ani naman ni mommy na kinasang-ayon ko naman.
"That is why I'm here. So what are we gonna do?"
"We're gonna make a plan after we know about our enemy. That's why Becca is here to help us." I can't stop myself from rolling my eyes. I thought she's here because she was finally caught.
I really can't believe she's here right now... with us. Helping us to stop Efren after she warned me to run away. It's basically her fault for scaring the hell out of me to run and stay away from Hugo! What changes this bitch mind?
"Oh yes and how could we know that she's not gonna backstabbed us? She literally warned me and forced me to run away." Ayoko siyang pagkatiwalaan.
"Because I'm not an horrid human being just like Efren."
"Mabuti naman at nagising ka na sa katotohanan. Hindi ko akalain na dadaan ang araw na tutulungan mo kami." I even clapped just to give her a congratulations for doing that and I'm only being sarcastic.
"Ang mabuti ngayon ay tutulungan niya tayo so calm down Ashton and listen to her first." Pagpapakalma naman saakin ni Tita Ayumi atsaka hinila na ma-upo sa tabi niya.
Huminga nalang ako ng malalim atsaka umupo sa tabi niya. "Alright.."
"Pretty tell your story Becca. It's okay to say everything... we're not gonna judge or laugh at you here. You're safe here." Tita Adrienne assured her. Well except for me because I can be judgy sometimes.
Ngumiti naman si Becca atsaka huminga ng malalim na hinarap kami. Her eyes were getting watery like she wanted to cry. Her life must be pretty sucky, living all her life with a criminal. I kinda pity her even though I don't like her attitude at all but she deserves the world.
"I was 6 years old back then. I will never forget what happened to my parents. Every night I can't sleep because I always dream about what happened to us before. Nagising nalang ako ng nasusunog na ang bahay namin. My dad tried to ask for help but it's hard to seek help when we're too far away from our neighbors. Ako ang unang niligtas ng daddy ko habang ang mommy ko ay naiwan sa loob dahil hindi siya makahanap ng mapagla-labasan." Patuloy lang na lumabas ang luha niya at nagsimulang manginig ang dalawang kamay.
"Hey... it's fin—"
"I'm sorry but could you please caress my hand. It helps me to calm." Sunod-sunod niyang saad na halos hindi namin siya maintindihan dahil sa sobrang bilis ng bibig niya.
"Caress her hand. It helps her calm." Pag-uulit ko sa sinabi niya at ginawa naman 'yun ni Tita Adrienne dahil siya ang nasa tabi nito.
"Bumalik ang d-daddy ko sa loob p-pero... may nahulog sakaniya na m-malapad na kahoy..." Her voice started to crack. Napatalon pa siya kaya bigla naman na kaming kinabahan sa ginawa niya.
I don't know what to do since this is the first time I encounter someone who's traumatized so badly but all I could want to do is to give her a hug. Lahat ng galit ko sakaniya nawala ng saglit ng marinig ko ang kwento niya. Gusto kong maiyak sa lahat ng pinagdaanan niya.
"Don't say it dear. It's fine. We're here." Tumabi sakaniya si mommy atsaka niya niyakap si Becca na hindi na mapigilan ang pag-iyak.
Lumingon ako kay Hugo at nakatingin din siya kay Becca na hindi maitago ang pagka-aalala sa mukha niya. Napa-buntong hininga akong tumingin ulit kay Becca.
I admire her. She's been in that situation when she saw how his dad and mom died then Efren used her after. She's so strong for her to be through all that. Although she grew up in a criminal household, she still didn't forget what her parents taught her.
Do the right thing.
"That's when he... died." Her voice cracked at the end.
"Do we really need to know all the truth about her life in that incident?" Tanong ko ng makita ang sobrang pag-iyak ni Becca.
"I think we just move on to our victim. She's traumatized about what happened. Let's not push her—" Hindi na natapos ang sasabihin ni Tita Kendra ng magsalita si Becca.
"It's fine. I grew up living through hell. It helps me to move on. I think it's time for me to tell the whole truth. So that you know what I've been through all of my life."
Nagka-tinginan silang lahat atsaka tumango din lang. "Okay... if that's what you want."
"So I went back inside so that I could help my mother get out but the fire was growing so fast that I couldn't even see inside and I just found myself on the floor unconscious. Then I just woke up to a beautiful room."
"The culprit's house?"
"Yes. I've been living my whole life hating all of you because of hatred and seeking for revenge, I ended up hurting other people but I wasn't even doing it for myself but for Efren. He can fuck himself and do his revenge by himself. I thought you guys abandoned me because I grew up believing that, to every word that I've been told to." Napalitan na ng galit ang mukha niyang kanina lang na tuloy-tuloy ang pag-luha niya.
"But that's not the truth though."
"I know and It's stupid for me to live my whole life in a lie for trusting and believing them."
"It's not your fault. You're just a kid back then and don't know anything yet." Saad ko naman sakaniya na kina-sangayon naman nila.
"But now I'm gonna promise to my parents that I will make everything right and try again so that my parents can both rest in peace." Napangiti naman ako sa sinabi niya at hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili kong mapatayo para bigyan siya ng yakap.
"I still hate you but you need a hug. You've been through a lot and this time. Live normal." Mas lalo akong napangiti ng yakapin niya din ako pabalik.
Hindi parin kami bati. I just felt bad for her.
"That is so strong of you Becca. Perks of living through hell, you're still born to run this world. You're still an amazing lady. You're a survivor and that is so strong of you." Saad naman ni Tita Adrienne atsaka hinaplos muli ang kamay ni Becca.
"Thank you for doing that. It helps me a lot."
"We're sorry for what we did to you back then. For giving up so quickly. We really thought you died and we even mourn every single day because another angel in our life has taken away from us again." Naiiyak na saad naman ni Tita Ayumi atsaka din niyakap si Becca.
"But we're not gonna do it again Becca and will promise you that we're gonna be always here for you." Sumang-ayon naman ako sa sinabi ni mommy.
Becca didn't stop herself from crying again kaya lumapit kami sakaniya atsaka kami nag-grouphug. "Thank you. I've never felt so happy before. This... really felt good."
"Yeah! We have the best hugs here so don't be shy to come visit us." Pangbibiro naman ni Tita Adrienne. Becca just smiled.
"But right now we don't know everything about what truly happened in that incident, especially about who was the child that was burnt to death along with her parents." Napatango naman kaming lahat.
"Isa lang ang nakaka-alam."
"Our culprit." Sabay-sabay nilang saad atsaka tinawag ang mga asawa nila.
"Boys come over here please."
"This is our culprit. Cullen Sawyer. He's a friend of Efren since they're in high school. He's very loyal to him and has been on Efren's side through his whole life protecting his crimes." Paliwanag naman ni Tito Yuan.
"From him we can get all the evidence against all of Eren's crimes." Dagdag naman ni Tito Jayden. Hindi ko maiwasan ang mapatingin sa tabi niya, ang anak niya.
Lumingon din si Hugo sa gawi ko kaya umiwas nalang ako ng tingin papunta kay mommy atsaka ngumiti ng kaunti.
"That's the guy who told us that you're dead." Saad naman ni Tita Ayumi at kinuha ko naman ang litrato 'nung lalake. He's not that good-looking, very average but he looks scary though.
"He's not truly an officer. He's a fraud. Siya din ang naka-assigned sa kaso ng Ballesteros family dati." Saad naman ni Haru.
"We can't access to any files about the Ballesteros Family accident. Bumisita kami sa police station pero wala doon. It's either sinunog niya ang tungkol about doon or nasa sakaniya pa at tinatago." Dagdag naman ni K, ang abogadong kaibigan ni Hugo.
"We're gonna deal with him tonight." Seryosong saad naman ni Tita Kendra na nakatingin kay mommy. "Heck yeah!"
"So what do you know about his works Becca?" Haru asked. Tumingin naman kami kay Becca na naka-upo na nakikinig saamin.
"What I know is that he punishes and kills people that Efren orders for him. I don't know about Efren's whole plan but he mentioned that he has two friends who are helping him out to do all his dirty work." Napakunot-noo naman ako. Two?
"One, Cullen and the other... hindi ko kilala dahil walang sinabi si Efren ng specific tungkol sakaniya, ang tanging alam ko lang ay tinatawag siyang... Venom."
"Venom... ngayon ko nalang ulit narinig 'yang pangalan na 'yan. Buhay parin pa rin 'yang putanginang 'yan." Nagulat naman kami sa biglaang pagmumura ni Kendra.
"Kilala mo siya, Kendra?"
"Malamang. Siya lang naman ang pinaka-mataas at makapangyarihan na kalaban ni Lola Klarissa sa Mafia World dati. Matagal-tagal ng may tinatagong galit 'yang gagong 'yan dahil ang lola ko lang naman ang laging nanalo. Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya nagre-revenge ngayon eh matagal ng patay si Klarissa. Anong kailangan niya?"
"You know mafias. They want more power, war, bloodlust. Efren probably manipulated him by giving him power. Ito namang si tanga pumayag siguro." Napailing namang saad nalang ni Tita Adrienne. They're very cruel then.
"Kunti nalang ang mga mafia dito sa pinas na may tinatagong galit sa lola ko. Madali lang natin silang makikilala. Kailangan natin ng tulong." Saad naman ni mommy. Help to who?
"Hugo, call your other Tita and Tito." Agad namang sumunod si Hugo doon at medyo lumayo pa saamin.
"Nagbabalik ang reyna at hari na nag-muno ng buong mundo noong panahon namin." Nakangising saad naman ni mommy na kinataas naman ng kilay ko.
"Argh. Don't mention it Elara. It makes me wanna puke." Nandidiring saad naman ni Tita Adrienne na lumayo sakaniya.
Natawa nalang sila. "Wow. Dati lang gustong-gusto mong maka-balik sa department, sa pagiging gangsters and now you wanna puke?"
"It's because I change already. Wala ng nabuting ginawa 'yang pagiging gangsters na 'yan. Dahil lahat ng nahuhuli natin eh gustong mag-revenge. Nakaka-stress."
"Ganon naman talaga. Pag-apak mo sa department, expect mo ng niyakap ka na agad ng gulo." Natatawang saad naman ni Tita Ayumi.
"Hari and reyna? Sino po?" Hindi ko mapigilan ang mapatanong. "Nabanggit ko naman na sayo na gangsters ang mga tita at tito mo diba? Sila din ang queens and kings ng gangster dito sa pilipinas. Sila Tita Kendra, Adrienne, Czane, Caterina at Rashana. Tapos sila Tito Jayden, Yuan, Brylle, Calvin and Brylle."
"Eh kayo po ano pong tawag sa gang niyo?" Tanong naman ni K kay mommy. Tumango naman ako sa tanong niya dahil gusto ko din malaman. Hindi naman kasi masiyadong nagkwe-kwento si mommy tungkol sa gangster life niya.
"Head Bitches, I'm the leader. We tried to challenge them and take away their position as a queens but we never succeeded." Doon naman natawa si Tita Adrienne. Bigla tuloy akong na-excite sa sinabi ni mommy.
"You never tell me about all of this. Bakit naman hindi kayo nagtagumpay?"
"Kasi walang makakatalo sa original queens ng Devil Department." Sumbat naman ni Tita Adrienne na natatawa pa. Umirap nalang si mommy.
"Tinalo pero kita sa underground battle."
"You're still a loser though. A wannabe queen." Napatakip naman si Tita Adrienne sa labi niya ng makitang umirap si mommy. Natawa nalang ako dahil sa ka-kyutan nila.
Their groups were fighting just to be who the queens were back then and yet look at them. Mag-kaibigan ngayon at handang mamatay para sa isa't-isa. I love their friendship already.
"Mom, where's dad?"
"Inutusan kong bumili ng makakain natin."
Nakarating naman na din agad sila dahil wala pang 30 minutes eh nandito na agad sila. Unang pumasok ang mag-asawang Hudson na mukhang badtrip.
"What is happening? Gabing-gabi na ah.." Inaantok namang tanong ni Tita Czane sakanila.
Nang makita ko si daddy na pumasok kasama nila eh agad ko siyang nilapitan at tinulungan sa bitbit niya. "Hi dad! I missed you!"
"I missed you my babygirl." Hinalikan niya ako sa noo atsaka na namin nilapag ang pagkain sa lamesa. Lumapit naman saamin si Hugo at tinulungan kaming ilabas ang mga binili ni daddy.
"Dad, are you a gangster too?" Nagulat naman si daddy sa tinanong ko pero agad din siyang umiling. "I'm not into stuff like that honey."
"How did you even like mom if you hate her so much?" Napatigil naman si daddy sa ginagawa niya atsaka ako hinarap.
"Hold on Hugo and let me just tell something to my daughter about hate-love relationship." Hugo just chuckled while looking at me. Iniinis niya ba ako? Kasi kanina pa siya hindi ako kinikibo.
"I hate your mother back then dahil pangit naman talaga ang ugali niya pero nagbago naman na siya, thank god. Pero mawawala din agad 'yung hatred kapag natutunan mong kilalanin ng maiigi ang isang tao through her or his worst. So ang ending, I ended up loving your mom because of her flaws and imperfections." Hindi ko mapigilang mapangiti sa sinabi niya lalo na sa huli.
"You sounded like a perfect person, dad."
"Don't say that." Siniko niya pa ako kaya natawa nalang akong kumuha ng mga plato atsaka lumapit sakanila.
"This must be good because I'm almost on my climax!" Naiiritang saad naman ni Tita Rashana atsaka tumabi kay Becca na napalabi.
"It's happening again..." Pinatong ko na ang mga plato sa lamesa at sumunod namang ipatong ni Hugo ang mga pagkain.
"What do you mean it's happening again? The what?"
"The past. War and Blood." Si Tito Julian na ang sumagot. Nagsi-taasan ang mga kilay nilang nalilito sa nangyayare.
"Huh? What do you mean it's happening again? We already quit long time ago. Siguro 'yung iba sainyo hindi nag-quit kaya ayan ang dami na naman nating kaaway. Ewan ko talaga sainyo, nakaka-stress na kayo ah." Napahilot nalang si Tita Caterina sa sentido niya.
"It's Efren's wrongdoings. He wasn't done yet."
"Tangina buhay pa 'yang matandang 'yan? Kailan ba 'yan titigil?!" Napasigaw si Tita Rashana sa galit.
"Hanggang makuha niya ang gusto niya."
"Tangina! Siya 'yung unang mamamatay 'no. We already defeated him once and we'll do it again! So what's the plan?" Sumeryoso ang mukha ni Tita Czane.
"Wait. So sinasabi mo bang kailangan nating bumalik sa dating gawa?"
"You have better idea, Adrienne? It's fine if you don't want to. You can stay here and protect the kids." Agad naman siyang umiling. "No! I'm not backing away. Kung tungkol ito sa pamilya, bakit hindi ako makikipag-laban?"
"Nag-inarte ka pa eh papayag ka din lang naman." Napairap naman si Tita Caterina habang nakapatong ang ulo sa balikat ng asawa niya.
"Because it's been a decade!"
"Good thing I still keep visiting the department to train. You suck Adrienne." Saad naman ni Rashana na parang nang-aasar. Hindi nalang siya pinansin ni Tita Adrienne.
"So what's the plan?"
"May tatlong place kung saan maaaring pag-taguan ni Cullen. They have a hideout, doon kami ni Rashana pupunta. His office, doon sila Elara and Caterina. House, Adrienne and Ayumi." Agad namang umayaw si mommy sa sinabi ni Tita Kendra.
"You did not just partner me sa mahilig kumain."
"Hoy! Grabe ka naman diyan eh magaling pa naman ako hanggang ngayon. Gusto mo 1v1 pa tayo." Tita Caterina challenged her.
"Enough girls. May kailangan pa tayong gawin."
"Kayo naman boys, puntahan niyo ang mga bata sa party at sunduin sila dahil baka may mangyaring masama sakanila." Utos naman ni Tita Czane sa kanila. Umirap naman si Tito Brylle.
"You did not just put us to do that. All those years being in that department got wasted on nothing. Don't waste my talent like that Czane."
"Gago ka ba? Gusto mong may mangyaring masama kay Braeden?!"
"Sabi ko nga kami susundo sa mga anak natin. Bakit saken ka naman nagalit squirrel?"
"Julian stays here to protect the people here." Tita Czane continued. Then Haru gave something to her.
"Ako, sasama sakanila. I'll hack all the CCTV's and watch everyone's step. Basically to keep you alive with the help with these amazing gadgets." Pinakita niya saamin ang binigay ni Haru sakaniya.
"These contact lenses will help us see or watch you all. Like kung anong nakikita niyo ay makikita namin. It's a big help. Thanks Haru for these." Nagsitinginan naman sila sakaniya para magpasalamat.
"Thank you Haru."
"It's my honor."
"I'm gonna call Lorelei to go here." Lumingon naman ako kay Tita Czane ng banggitin niya si Rei. "Rei?"
"Yeah, her. Meron kasi siya na kailangan ko and baka idamay din siya ni Cullen since parte ang mommy niya sa gawain namin dati." Napatango naman ako. It's sucks to be a gangster daughters then.
Nagsimula ng umalis ang mga asawa nila para sunduin ang mga anak nila na nasa party. "Blaze! Come with us just in case something might happened."
"He's just gonna slow you down!" Sagot naman ni mommy na parang nang-aasar pa. Umirap nalang si daddy kaya natawa nalang ako habang pinapanood sila. "Thank you my love and yes I will be careful."
"Dad! Be careful." Kinindatan naman ako ni daddy na sinasabing h'wag akong mag-alala.
"Bilisan mo dahil ka-kailanganin kita." Saad naman ni Tita Czane sakaniyang asawa. Ngumiti naman si Tito Calvin na halatang kinikilig sa narinig.
"Lagi mo naman akong kailangan eh. Ingat ka."
I just smiled while looking at them. Nakakakilig naman palang manood ng mga matatanda na naglalandian sa harapan mo pa. I heard that Tita Czane's first and last boyfriend was Tito Calvin and look at them now, married and has two children.
"Okay. Don't mess up and we can do this." Pagche-cheer naman ni mommy sakanila.
"Mag-iingat kayo."
Sakto namang umalis na sila ay dumating naman na agad si Lorelei habang may dalang apat na laptop case. Tinulungan naman agad siya ni K sa bitbit niya.
"Rei's here."
Nang makita niya ako ay agad siyang tumakbo palapit saakin at niyakap ako. "Oh my god! I'm so happy that you're back! Saan tumama ang ulo mo ha?"
Hinampas ko naman siya ng mahina kaya natawa nalang siya. "Great. Your mom was a former gangster too."
"Yeah. Pretty cool right." Siniko niya akong lumapit kila mommy.
"Hello Lorelei. How are you beautiful?"
"Ito po malapit na pong grumaduate."
"Aw! Congratulations. Ikaw na sana din mag-design ng wedding gown ni Ashton." Biglang sambit naman ni Tita Caterina. Na-estatwa naman ako sa kinatatayuan ko na halos tumigil pa ako sa pag-hinga sa narinig ko.
Natahimik ang buong paligid sa sinabi ni Tita Caterina. Nagsimula na akong pag-pawisan kaya napalunok nalang akong napayuko.
"Great idea." Pa-simple naman akong lumingon kay Hugo ng sabihin niya 'yun. Nakangiti lang siya ng malawak hanggang saakin napunta ang tingin niya kaya tumayo naman ako ng maayos.
"Sure, why not? She's a great designer." Saad ko din and the atmosphere became awkward because of their different reaction. Iyong iba gusto matawa, iyong iba gustong ngumiti tapos iyong iba naman sumisipol pa.
I just smiled. Hindi ako nagsisisi sa sinabi ko pero bigla lang akong nahiya sa mga reaksyon nila. Can someone help me move?
"Calilia has a lot of hacking laptops that we could use and thank you Lorelei for lending us these." Napahinga ako ng maluwag ng magsalita si Tita Czane para patigilin ang awkward na atmosphere namin dito sa loob.
"No problem mga tita and good luck and ready to save the world once again."
"We don't say that my dear. We're no heroes. We're pretty dumb to be one." Napangusong saad naman ni Tita Adrienne.
"Ikaw lang. H'wag mo kaming idamay. Masiyado kang pa-humble eh." Pagsasagot naman ni Tita Rashana atsaka siya tumayo at nagsimulang mag-stretch.
"We're not heroes Laurelia. We just help people to lessen their stress by catching bad guys."
"That is what a hero would do." Pagpu-push parin ni Tita Caterina na mga heroes sila.
"Whatever."
"We're bad bitches! Not heroes, ew." Saad muli ni Tita Rashana at napagilid naman ako ng magsimula siyang mag-tumbling. Napangiti siya sa ginawa niya.
"I'm fucking ready!"
"So basically she's on our side?" Tanong naman ni Tita Rashana na tinuturo si Becca na naka-yuko lang. Nagsi-tanguan naman kaming lahat.
"So you're not the one who cut the cords in the elevator?" Tanong naman ni Tita Czane sakaniya at umiling naman agad si Becca atsaka inangat ang ulo niya.
"I'm there to stop Cullen when I heard about their plan. I was too late and deleted the CCTV Footage dahil baka ako ang masisi." She paused then looked at Hugo. "Brennen is innocent. I shouldn't have just asked for his help but he's too hard headed and won't listen so he followed me there."
I knew that he's innocent and wouldn't do any crimes like this but I still accused him. I'm really sorry, Brennen.
"Don't worry and I'm sorry for your loss. We will help you find whoever made Brennen end his life." Hugo assured her. Mukhang nakahinga ng maluwag si Becca atsaka tumango. "Thank you. That's at least what I could do for him."
"I will help you too." Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip na sabihin 'yun. Just for Brennen.
Becca grab my hand and smiled at me. Nginitian ko naman siya pabalik atsaka tinanguan. We'll do this together for him. We will give him justice and peace for what happened to him.
Niyakap ko si mommy ng makapag-palit sila sa fighting attire nila. "Dapat pag-balik mo sa harap ko eh humihinga ka parin!"
Hinampas naman ako ni mommy. "H'wag ka ngang magsalita ng ganiyan! So sinasabi mong mamamatay ako?" Napa-aray naman ako ng kinurot niya ako.
"No! Hindi naman sa ganon. I just want you to stay safe."
"Don't worry because I'll be alright. Manood ka diyan sa laptop kung paano ka-galing ang mommy mo." Hinalikan niya ako sa noo atsaka na sila umalis.
Pina-upo naman ako ni Rei sa tabi niya atsaka niya ako inakbayan at kinomfort. "Stay positive Ashton. Ayan ka na naman eh."
"Sorry..."
"Where can we grab a weapons?" Tanong naman ni mommy sakanila. Maririnig din naman sila gamit ang earpiece na bigay ni Haru. Naka-konekta lahat sa tatlong laptop na nandito sa bahay para marinig namin sila.
"You guys have any weapons in your houses?"
"I stopped doing this already."
"Then we're going to the Department."
Pagkatapos nilang kumuha ng kaniya-kaniyang weapons nila ay nagsi-puntahan na sila sa mga pwesto nila. Tita Kendra and Rashana sa hideout. Mom and Tita Caterina sa office while Tita Ayumi and Adrienne sa bahay ni Cullen Sawyer.
"Kakabahan na ba ako sa nangyayare o hindi kasi dangerous na tao ang parents natin?" Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Rei habang pinapanood sila.
Para akong nanonood ng thriller movies na maya-maya may mangugulat sakanila, hindi multo kundi baril na nakatutok sakanila. Tatlong laptop ang nakaharap saamin.
Perspective nila Tita Kendra at Rashana. Iyong isa naman sila mommy at Tita Caterina, while the other, Tita Adrienne and Tita Ayumi.
"Kalma lang Ash. They're very dangerous women back then ruling the world." Tama naman siya doon. Napapikit nalang akong bumuntong-hininga.
"Hindi ko lang ma-imagine na ganito ang mommy ko dati."
"AK, I prefer if you enter into his attic. Czane, Haru, Zaiden, you three will be our eyes. Keep us safe."
"Will do mom."
"Be careful at his house. He has a lot of security gadgets there that might... kill you." Paga-advice naman ni Becca sakanila. Rinig naman naming napamura si Tita Adrienne.
"Great! Pinunta niyo pa talaga ako sa mahirap na lugar plus partner na walang alam sa mga ganito."
"Nakaka-insulto na talaga kayo!" Saad naman ni Tita Ayumi na halatang masama ang loob.
"Sorry. Just stay behind me and don't touch anything. Follow my lead."
"Did you locate our target yet?" Tanong naman ni Tita Czane.
"No sign of him tita. His phone is off and the last time he opened it was 6 hours ago in his office."
"He knows we're coming for him." Natatawang saad naman ni Tita Rashana na halatang nae-excite pa. "Handang-handa ah."
"Keep us updated, Cayden."
Binuksan na ni mommy ang pintuan ng opisina ni Cullen at dilim lang ang bumungad saamin. My mom then turns on the lights and there's no sign of him. Tumaas ang tingin ni mommy na parang may hinahanap hanggang sa nilingon niya si Tita Caterina na maingat ding pumasok.
"I think we're good."
"He's not in his office but we're gonna search for evidence that can put him in jail."
"Sounds great, El."
Nagsimula ng mag-hanap si mommy kaya tinuon ko naman ang atensyon ko kila Tita Ayumi dahil nakarating na sila sa bahay ni Cullen. Dumaan sila sa likod atsaka may binato si Tita Adrienne para maka-akyat sila hanggang sa nakarating sila sa roof.
"Tita, the red one." Pagtuturo naman ni Hugo ng makitang nalilito si Tita Ayumi kung anong kukunin para mabuksan ang roof.
"Thank you Hugo."
Hanggang sa lumingon naman si Rei saakin kaya agad akong umiwas kay Hugo at tinaasan ng kilay si Rei. "Nakita ko 'yun. H'wag ka ng tumanggi." Natawa nalang akong umiling.
Ngumingiti naman siya saakin pero hindi ko lang maipaliwanag bakit ayaw niya akong kausapin. Patingin-tingin lang tapos minsan napapangiti saakin pero hindi niya pa ako kinakausap? Ayaw mo akong kausapin.
Edi h'wag. Madali akong kausap.
Desperada pa siyang makuha ulit loob ko at mapapayag na lumaban kasama siya tapos ngayon hindi niya ako kakausapin? Tangina niya.
"Nice! Ang dami niyang naka-reserba na pagkain dito ah." Sambit naman ni Tita Caterina at kita na naming pagkain ang hawak niya kahit papel lang sana ang nahanap niya pero pagkain.
Then Tito Julian groaned while face-palming. "My typical wife.."
"You want El?"
"I'd rather kick your ass outta here."
"No then."
Natawa nalang ako sa nakikita ko ngayon dahil medyo nawala ang kaba ko ng makita si Tita Caterina sa ginagawa niya. Ang kalma niya tignan. Gagawin ang lahat para lang sa pagkain.
"Rush, what's the weather up there?" Tanong naman ni Tita Kendra ng makarating sila sa hideout ni Cullen.
"Feels nice hearing my code name. Shall we go call each other that?"
"Ew, no!" Pagtatanggi naman ni Tita Adrienne habang pababa na sila sa atic ni Cullen. "Psh. Killjoy."
"Argh! I'd rather find evidence than go here like I'm gonna get killed for a second."
"Quit complaining Ayumi and just follow me!"
Seryoso lang kaming nanonood. Naka-bukas lang ang mata nila Hugo, K at Haru na halos hindi pa sila kumurap na nakatutok sa screen para panoorin ang bawat galaw nila.
"Ang tahimik..." Mahinang saad ni Tita Rashana.
"Careful Rashana, that's when the—" Hindi na namin narinig ang sinabi ni Tita Kendra ng biglang nag-error ang screen. Nagulat kami sa nangyare at triny na ibalik ang lahat ng tatlo pero hindi parin umuubra.
Hindi na namin marinig o makita sila dahil biglang nag-error ang tatlong laptop. Doon na ako biglang kinabahan dahil baka may nangyareng masama.
"Woah... what the hell is happening."
"Error... something or maybe someone got into our system and ended our connection with them." Sagot naman ni Tito Julian atsaka tinulungan si Haru na maibalik ang connection namin sakanila.
"That's his hackers. You should stop them before they get into your system and ruin the connection." Saad naman ni Becca atsaka tumayo at tinulungan sila.
Humigpit ang hawak ko kay Rei at niyakap nalang niya ako para pakalmahin.
Hanggang sa napamura si Becca. "We can't! There's a lot of them, if you're professional enough hacking then maybe you can stop his 10 hackers."
"Tito can you do about this?" Tanong naman ni Hugo kay Tito Julian. Bumuntong-hininga siyang umiling. "I only know the basics..."
Hanggang sa tumunog naman ang isa sa telepono namin. Sinagot agad ni Tito Julian ng sakaniya ang tumunog ang telepono niya. Nilagay niya sa gitna para marinig namin.
(Did yours say an error too?)
Si Tita Czane.
"Opo tita." Sagot naman ni Hugo.
(If we don't stop them then we cannot contact the others and watch their step!)
"Can you stop them, Czane?" Tanong naman ni Tito Julian but Tita Czane just sighed like she felt disappointed. (I wish but no. I tried, umubra naman pero... masiyado silang madami na kumukontra kaya naputol lang din agad 'yung connection)
(Nasaan ba si Calvin?! Picking up our children won't be that long!) Halata na din sa kaba ang boses ni Tita Czane. Napakagat-labi naman akong hindi na mapakali.
Mom... please be alive.
"I'll call him." Saad naman ni Hugo ng pigilan naman siya ni K na nakadungaw sa window.
"No need. He's here!"
Nang makapasok si Tito Calvin sa loob ay agad siyang lumapit saamin at tinignan ang problem. He tilted his head when he found out what the problem is and took off his coat.
(What took you so long?!)
"Three cars followed us! That must be his assistants."
"Are the kids okay?" Tanong naman ni Julian sakaniya at tumango naman si Tito Calvin atsaka umupong humarap sa tatlong laptop.
"Don't worry I got you baby. I got you." He murmured to his wife and made sure to her that everything will be fine just like what we planned.
"I need another laptop..." Binigay naman ni Hugo ang laptop niya pero agad namang umiling si Tito Calvin.
"The one that is new. Baka kasi hindi na ma-recover 'yung files mo diyan eh."
Lumingon naman si Hugo sa kapatid niyang si Altaire na umirap naman. "Oh men."
"Don't worry. Bibilhan nalang kita ng bago."
"Ako na bibili." Tito Calvin insisted. Pumunta namang taas si Altaire para kunin ang laptop niya atsaka din agad binigay kay Tito Calvin.
"Thank you Cleo."
"Now go upstairs! Walang lalabas." Sigaw ni Tito Jayden sakanila. Agad namang tumakbo ang ilan sakanila pero nagtataka namang nakatingin saamin si Altaire na parang may gustong malaman.
"What's happening? Care to please tell us?"
"Stupid." Tyger murmured and he was about to go upstairs when I called him. "Tyger!"
"Just listen to them, Cleo." Seryosong saad naman ni Hugo sa kapatid niya at napabuntong-hininga nalang siya atsaka na nagtungong taas. "No one's going outside!"
"What the hell do you want?" Bored na saad niya at babatukan ko na sana siya ng kita kong nanlaki ang mata niya na parang nagulat sa nakita. Kumunot naman ang noo kong tinignan ang tinitignan niya.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
Kumunot naman ang noo ko. "What do you mean what the hell is she doing here? You know her?! Alam mo din bang pinsan natin siya?!"
"Yeah he knows." Sagot naman ni Becca habang umiiling na nakatingin kay Tyger.
Mas lalo lang akong naguluhan sa sinabi niya. Anong alam ni Tyger? So may alam siya pero sila mommy at Tita Ayumi walang alam na buhay pa si Becca pero ngayon may alam siya? Bakit hindi man lang niya sinabi saamin at pinagmukha kaming tanga?
"H-how... w-wait. A-ano?"
"Because he's working for Efren too like me." Mas lalo kaming nagulat sa sinabi ni Becca. Nanlaki ang mata kong nilingon si Tyger na biglang kinabahan ang mukha. "Totoo ba ang sinasabi niya?! You've been working for him?! Do you know how abominable that person is?!"
"Don't dare to lie kid, I just expose you."
"S-sino?! S-sinong kasabwat ni Efren? Ang anak ko?!" Gulat namang tanong ni Tita Ayumi saamin na nakuha na namin ang connection nila. "Opo tita."
"Okay, Ayumi. I want you to calm down right now, dahil baka nandito siya. Don't shout." Pagpapakalma naman ni Tita Adrienne sakaniya na nakuha ulit namin 'yung connection nila pero rinig namin ang mabibilis niyang pag-hinga na halatang gusto niyang sumabog.
"Control yourself, Ayumi. Don't mess it up."
Hinarap ko si Tyger atsaka siya tinaasan ng kilay. "Ano?! May balak ka bang magsalita? Explain yourself Tyger! God, I can't believe you!"
Galit na galit ako ngayon dahil bakit isa sa mga pinsan ko eh nagtra-trabaho kay Efren. Baka naman may iba pa kaming kamag-anak diyan na hindi ko na naman kilala tapos nagtratrabaho din para kay Efren? Like what the hell is happening? Sinumpa nga talaga ang pamilyang 'to.
"Okay, Ty. You just been exposed and it's not yet late to turn your back away from Efren and help us defeat him. If you're genius enough to see what he truly is. Do you know about his plans?" Tanong naman ni Tito Yuan sakaniya pero agad naman siyang umiling.
"N-no..."
"What do you mean, no?! Baka naman ayaw mo lang sabihin saamin? So you're choosing that criminal over us?! Your family? Saan ba nagkulang ang magulang mo sayo?!"
"I don't know anything about his plans! He didn't say anything specific but he's always mentioning that he's planning for something big."
"Well, do you know the other friend that he's always mentioning?" Tanong naman ni Becca sakaniya pero umiling naman siya. "I only know Cullen. The one who adopted you."
"Thank you for telling us, Tyger."
"Oh no! We're not done yet!" Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya atsaka siya hinila palayo sakanila at dinala sa garden. Hindi ko akalain na gagawin niya ang mga ganito! Makikipanig siya kay Efren na sirain kami. Anong pagkukulang namin sakaniya para gawin ito?
Araw-araw siyang nire-remind ng mommy at daddy niya kung gaano ka-demonyo ang lalakeng 'yun tapos ngayon mababalitaan nalang namin na nagtra-trabaho siya sakaniya? For what reason? We did everything just for him! Maganda ang pagpapalaki ng parents niya sakaniya tapos heto ang isusukli niya?
Napahawak ako sa ulo kong hinarap siya. "Argh! Do you know how stupid you just did?! Bobo nalang ang makikipanig kay Efren at isa ka na doon!"
"Don't worry, hindi naman kayo kasali sa plano na binigay niya saakin. Only the Laytons." Napahawak ako sa dibdib kong makita pa siyang ngumisi, like 'yung nakita ko sa mukha ni Becca.
"What was that Tyger?! Did you just smile?! Nagugustuhan mo ang nangyayare ngayon lalo na sa paninirang plano ni Efren na gusto niyang gawin mo?! Ano namang makukuha mo kapag nagawa mo 'yan?!"
"Peacefulness. I have a revenge that is ready for them." I scoffed. Hinilot ko ang sentido dahil sumasakit na ang ulo ko sa pinagsasabi niya. Narinig ko na naman ang salitang 'yan. Revenge!
Ano na naman bang ginawa ng mga Layton sakaniya?
"Revenge?! Ano bang ginawa nila sayo para gawin ito? Sige nga. Sabihin mo saakin at baka matulungan pa kita."
"Hindi mo na kailangang malaman 'yun!" Matigas niyang saad atsaka ako binangga at paalis na sana pero agad ko siyang hinila pabalik. "Hindi pa tayo tapos!"
"Let go of me. You ain't my mother."
"Okay. Then wait for your mother to punish you! You don't know how awful that human being is! Masama si Efren bakit ba ayaw mong maniwala saakin?! You're just ruining your life if you continue siding with him, Tyger!"
"Matagal ng sira ang buhay ko."
"Don't ruin it more. So what are you planning? Kill them? Then parang sinasabi mo na din na para kang siya! Mamamatay tao." Madiing saad ko sa pagmumukha niya para maramdaman niya kung gaano ko hindi ka-gusto si Efren.
"H'wag mo akong i-gaya sakaniya. I'm just using him to get what I want." He shrugged while smirking then went inside. Napabuntong-hininga naman akong napa-upo nalang habang nakahawak sa ulo ko.
Ano bang pumasok sa isip niya para gawin 'yun? Ano naman kung iba siya kay Efren? He's still helping him to get whatever he wants and that is to ruin us! Edi parang nag-succeed na din si Efren kapag inatake niya ang mga Layton.
He's really gonna have a revenge on Layton, one of the most powerful families in the whole world.
Ano bang ginagawa mo Tyger. Nakikipaglokohan ka ba saamin?
"Hey.." Nakita ko si Hugo na palapit saakin kaya agad ko namang pinunasan ang luha ko. Tapos ngayon niya lang ako kakausapin?
Isa ka din eh. Tangina ka.
"H'wag mo akong hini-hey dito dahil wala kang kibo pag-pasok ko kanina." Natawa naman siya ng mahina sa sinabi ko kaya inirapan ko nalang siya. Ano namang nakakatawa sa sinabi ko?
"Well, I wanted you to come to me first but it turns out I'm the one who will come to you because that is how I can't resist you." Inirapan ko ulit siya. "Ang dami mong pa-andar."
"You kinda look... different." Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko ng marinig 'yun. Tinignan ko ang sarili ko atsaka napabuntong-hininga. "It's because I'm wearing jeans?"
"You said, you hate jeans."
"I have nothing to wear." Saad ko naman at ngumiwi naman siyang tinignan muli ako. "You look good though. I hope I can still see you in jeans next time."
I crossed my arms while walking towards him. "Why? So that you could take a look at my ass?"
Napayuko siyang natawa ng mahina atsaka inangat muli ang tingin niya saakin. Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay kahit gusto kong ngumiti dahil nahuli ko siya. "No, you just look good—"
I cut him off by putting my hand on his face then pushing it a little while turning my back away from him. He chuckled.
"What did he say?" Tumabi siya saakin atsaka tinulungan akong ayusin ang magulo kong buhok. Napabuntong-hininga naman ako ng maalala na naman si Tyger. That kid will be the death of me.
"Mag-ingat kayo dahil sainyo siya sa aatake. Laytons." Tumaas naman ang kilay niya pero natawa lang din siya agad. "He's not kidding right?"
"I'm hoping but he looks so serious and angry."
Hindi ko mabasa thoroughly kung anong iniisip niya dahil hindi ganon kadaling basahin ang isip o mukha niya pero punong-puno ng galit ang mukha niya. Seryoso siya sa sinasabi niya. I just don't know why he's doing it.
"Paano 'yun... he's willing to fight you and involve in his plans since you're gonna be a Layton." It's not a question. It's a statement. He wasn't even asking me to be a Layton and rest assured that I'm gonna be a Layton.
Tinawa ko nalang ang kilig. "I guess so." Medyo nawala ang worriedness ko kay Tyger pero alam kong hindi 'yun titigil.
"I'm sorry for your friend." Nilingon ko siya atsaka ako umiling. "I've been a bad friend for him. Ang dami ko pang gustong ibigay sakaniya pabalik sa lahat ng ginawa niyang mabuti saakin. Why did he end his life that easily?"
"I'm pretty sure Brennen will not agree on what you said. Iyong moments na kasama ka niya, ayon 'yung pinaka-magandang nangyare sa buhay niya. Hindi niya 'yun makakalimutan." Napangiti naman ako sa sinabi niya at hindi mapigilan ang mapa-luha dahil bigla ko siyang naalala.
Noong high school kami, I found him very annoying at first pero unti-unting nahuhulog ang loob ko sakaniya because of his personality. Ang dali niyang mapatawa ang lahat ng taong makaka-usap niya at isa na ako doon.
He's really a great person even though he always annoys me every single day. I'll give you what you truly deserve, Brennen. Justice and peace, just hold on.
Lumapit pa siya saakin lalo atsaka hinilig ang ulo niya sa balikat ko. Napatingin naman ako sakaniya atsaka napangiti. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya atsaka hinaplos, just by holding his hand all of my worries fade away. "It felt so nice being back in your arms again, Ashton."
"I'm sorry for not trying and leaving you again."
"Shh. Don't say anything about what you did. I understand you honeybee so it's all good. You don't have to say anything about it because you just want us to be safe." Napapikit akong pinatong din ang ulo ko sakaniya.
This is why he's too good for me. "Thank you. It kinda felt nice hearing you call me honeybee."
"I guess we both missed each other."