Women~
"Mom, Dad,"
I greeted my parents as soon as I entered their room. Mom is sitting on their bed's edge while Dad is pacing back and forth with brows almost meeting each ends.
"Clardia, is there something you need?" Mom asked softly as she turned her gaze on me.
"Nothing, I just want to stay here for a while." I answered and took a sit beside her.
"Do you have a problem, perhaps?"
"Hmm, it's not my personal problem but, I feels like it's my burden too."
"Do you want to tell me what it is?"
I looked at Mom and heavily let go a sigh. "The women killings were adding up everyday. At first it was only three women from the different Kingdoms but now... Five Hallenors were killed again and they were all stabbed in their chests. Xavier was so busy everytime because he handle the cases and he's eager to know who initiates this crime to ruin the image of the royals." I sighed again. "I leave him in the study cause he don't even want me to help even if he already looks like he wasn't getting enough sleep. I just feel bad for him..."
Ilang araw na ang nakakalipas simula noong naganap ang unang pagpatay ng mga babae dito sa Acelatoria. At hindi nagiging maayos ang lahat. Sa totoo lang mas nagiging malala pa. Sunod-sunod na ngayon ang pagkamatay ng mga babae mula sa iba't-ibang parte ng planeta at nadadagdagan pa ang mga bilang nila.
May misteryo ring hindi malutas ng mga awtoridad at ng mga dugong bughaw. At ito ay kung saang lupalop nakakahanap ng mga Hallenors ang kung sino mang pumapatay sa kanila gayong isang porsiyento na lang ang mga babae na ganoon sa mundong ito? Hindi ba nakakapagtaka 'yon? Some were saying that maybe UrsaMinor itself did it since, they hold most of the Hallenors in their organization though, I know, or most of the people know as well, that it is imposible to be them, stating the fact that it's against their purpose.
Then, my Dad suddenly spoke. My forehead creased. "How would he know who initiates the killings if he is turning a blind eye against his family?"
"What... are you saying, Dad?" I asked, totally confused.
"Radley." Mom said like she don't want Dad to say something any further. But, the latter just shrugged it off.
"What I'm saying is that, isn't it obvious that the royals did it? Galit sila sa mga babaeng 'yon dahil baka parte sila UrsaMinor. Pinatay nila ang lahat ng babaeng 'yon para lang magdeklara ng digmaan sa organisasyon na pinaglalaban lang naman ang karapatan ng mga kababaihan." my father said which made me furrow my brows even more.
"Dad, it's not the royals. Hindi sila ang may gawa ng mga ito dahil sila nga mismo ay pinoproblema ang mga pagpatay. Also, they are promoting a change in this planet. They want to erase whatever violence the former King have manifested. So, I think they're also just victims here."
"Victims? Anak, huwag mo masyadong pagkatiwalaan ang mga tao dito, ngayon mo lang sila nakilala. Hindi mo alam kung anong mga baho ang tinatago nila."
"But..."
"You're Dad's right, Clardia. Masyado ka nang pakatiwala sa kanila. You still don't know a lot about them."
"Hindi ko maintindihan, Mom, Dad," I said and look at them both. "I know, the royals can't do it. At least, Xavier, his sister, and his cousins... They're good leaders, they just want the best for this planet."
"If they're good leaders then, why don't they just go down their positions and leave the thrown to someone who can bring justice to the oppressed?" my Dad then again contradicted.
"Like who? Like Polaris? The leader of UrsaMinor? But, she is not any different to the former King, Dad. She also killed someone! She killed Xavier's grandmother. She causes pain to an innocent child until now. She's also the devil that she, herself, hates. Someone like that Polaris doesn't compose a good leader. She isn't also someone who brings true justice. She is just a petty woman who puts the justice on her hands."
Napatahimik si Dad at Mom sa mga sinabi ko. I don't know if what I said is too much but, I know that it makes sense. Dad turned his gaze away from me while Mom is just silent.
"M-My daughter... you're really a grown up woman now..." he said, giving me a small smile.
"Of course, you and Mom raised me too well." I also beamed at him. Natawa ako nang parang nagiging mas emosyonal ang itsura ni Dad. "Mom, oh, si Dad, iyakin na naman."
My mother stood up and put her hand on her man's shoulder. "Radley, tigilan mo na nga 'yan. Inaasar ka tuloy ng anak mo." she then grinned at him.
"Sorry, parang dati lang kasi tinatanggalan ko pa ng diaper ang anak natin ngayon... she already has her principles and has a good view of how she sees things." Dad said. Napangiti ulit ako.
"It's because, you, my parents, taught it to me. You showed how the world should be viewed the way that no one will be left behind and every person will get the chance to be understood and forgiven. I'm proud that you became my parents Mom, Dad, that my parents were good persons and they have me as their beautiful and intelligent daughter who got their genes." I giggled a bit and so they did.
Maya-maya lang ay tumunog ang cellphone na nasa bulsa ng pants ni Dad. Dinukot niya ito at tiningnan ang screen. He focused himself on why his phone rang while me and Mom just curiously looked at him. I think he got a message from someone. Actually, I just knew that he has a cellphone to use here in this planet.
Makalipas lang ang ilang segundo ay ang laki ng pinagbago ng ekspreson ni Dad. Halos magkadikit na ngayon ang mga kilay niya tulad ng kung pa'no ito kanina nang kakapasok ko pa lang sa kuwarto nila. It's seems like he got a bad news or something similar to that. He and Mom then stared to each other.
Nanatili silang ganoon ng may katagalan samantalang, pati ako ay kumunot na rin ang noo. Hindi nagtagal, hindi ko na naiwasang hindi magtanong.
"What is it, Dad?" I asked, gazing at him.
He just stared at me first as if he don't know how to say it
"Radley, I think it's fine if we'll do it." mas lalong nangunot ang noo ko sa pagtataka matapos ang sinabi ni Mom.
"Do what, Mom, Dad? Please answer me now. I'm getting anxious, you know..." I said, not breaking a stare with them.
"Anak..." Dad trailed off. Then, he closed his eyes hardly before fixating it to me again. "We'll... We'll leave for now."
Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ko. "W-What? Where? When? W-Why?"
Napalunok si Dad matapos ang magkakasunod kong tanong. "We... We had this friend that we met before in this planet. And... he just knew that we're here. He wants us to visit her for a day or more..."
"Her? So, she's a woman, I guess? Akala ko naman kung ano, 'yon lang pala Dad." I chuckled. "So when are you two leaving?"
"Clardia, we're concerned to leave you here and your friends but, it seems like you're not even bothered of us leaving. Parang gusto mo pa, ah. Sinasabi ko sayo, Clardia huwag kang gagawa ng kalokohan. Kayo ng anak ni Cranstan." Mom said as she gave me k
a sharp gaze.
"M-Mom! A-Ano bang iniisip n'yo? Masyadong ngang busy ngayon si Xavier, eh. Wala na kaming bebe time."
"Clardia! Hindi ko talaga alam kung saan mo namana 'yang pagkaharot mo!"
"I think kay Dad, Mom."
"Ikaw talaga, Radley lahat na lang ng pagkaisip bata mo pinamana mo sa anak mo!"
"Bakit naman ako biglang nadamay, darling..."
I laughed as I watch them argue because of me. Don't worry, this usually happens honestly.
"So, kailan nga kayo aalis, Mom and Dad? And I think you'll be out for a few days since, that friend of yours might want to bond with you longer." I said, even doing an Indian sit on their bed.
"Today. We'll leave today. About how many days... Let's say three. That'll be the longest." my Dad answered.
"Oh, okay. But, if you guys want to stay longer with your friend. It's fine. Rest assure that I'll be okay in this palace and so, Zain and Kiefer. Xavier have tighten the whole security so, you have nothing to worry about Mom and Dad. I'll be fine so, just enjoy, alright?"
"Okay, my daughter. I'll give you my number so that you can contact me if ever something happend."
I nodded.
"Clardia, ang bilin ko. Don't do something stupid that will put you to danger. I'll ask Zain and Kiefer to look over you closely."
I nodded again.
Pagkatapos ng mga bilin nila ay nag-ayos na agad sila Mom at Dad ng mga gamit. Konti lang naman ang dinala nila since, they won't be out for too long. Tinulungan ko na rin silang mag-ayos.
After that, I went to Xavier and told him my parents' departure. Actually, I think if its just him, he won't let my parents do so because before he agreed, he told me that it's quite dangerous to leave the palace now. But, he can't do anything about it. Anyway, my parents are still elders so he just nodded in response.
Nagpaalam na rin sila Mom at Dad kila Kiefer at Zain. My friends were actually surprised but, later on just bid their good byes to my parents. Well, bigla-biglaan naman talaga ang pag-alis nila. Naisip ko na lang na baka sobrang close nila doon sa kaibigang pupuntahan nila kaya, parang sabik din silang makita ito. I understand cause I have friends too.
"Clard, hindi na ba natin ihatid sila Tita sa labas?" Zain asked as she looked at my parents who were walking away from us.
"Oo nga, Clardey. Ayaw mo?" Kiefer seconded.
"Hindi naman sa ayaw pero, sabi nila sa'kin huwag na daw, eh. And it's not like we will not meet again okay? It's only for about three days, guys." I said, not giving them a look instead, my eyes were shifted at my parents' vanishing sight.
From my peripheral view, I saw both of my friends nodding. I continued gazing at my front.
I hope my parents will be safe along their way.
***
"Girls, we can't just sit back here."
I told Xanthal, Zain, Samantha, and as well as Celeste as we all gather here in my room.
Nandito silang lahat dahil nagkaroon ng meeting ang tatlong Heneral at kaming mga babae ay naiwan dito at hindi nila pinasali sa usapan. Well, for sure they're talking about the nonstop women killings and on how they will stop it.
"Actually, Clardia, I'm so agree with you." sabi ni Xanthal na siyang naka-dekuwatro sa aking couch. "I don't get why they always don't want me involved with such matters. I mean I'm a Princess! I'm part of the royals! My ego's hurting so much."
"That's what I'm also saying! I thought they're going to change the system where we, women, were always left behind. But, how could they do it when they're not applying it themselves, right?" I asked, seeking for more approval.
"I know I should not join your conversation cause I'm just a human but, I want to relate too so, I also agree with you, bes. Those men should also let you guys help them!" sabi naman ni Zain na nakaupo sa kama katabi ko. I gave her a thumbs up.
"Uhm, well, I'm part of an empowered women's club way back in Earth so, I believe in you too, girls." Samantha joined the talk and I smiled at her as she agreed with us.
Then, we all turned our gazes to Celeste who's silently watching us while talking. She immediately flustered upon recognizing our stares.
"U-Uh, uhm, I-I agree..." she softly uttered.
"That's my girl." I said to her as I put a triumphant smile on my face.
"Girls, can you calm down and chill?"
Okay, muntik ko nang makalimutang nandito pala si Kiefer. Nakaupo siya sa may upuan sa tapat ng aking vanity table pero nakaharap ito sa'min. Siya lang ang nag-iisang lalaki ngayon dito sa kuwarto ko kasama ang limang babae. Well, sanay naman na siya. Kaming dalawa ni Zain ang bestfriend niya saka minsan mas close talaga 'yang si Kiefer sa mga babae. You know, chick magnet kasi.
"What if the guys just want to protect you girls? Maybe, you should not overthink and just understand the Princes." dagdag pa ni Kiefer.
I arched a brow. "Were you saying that we should let them do all the job even if we can do something to help them? Besides, I'm sick of always being protected and sheltered. I can stand on my own, I can think for myself, I can save myself. You know me, Kiefer. What I hate the most is when someone's making me feel weak and futile."
"Clardey, hindi naman sa ganoon... I just want to make you girls understand the side of those guys..."
"Well then, I understand. But, you guys are the one who can't understand us. Stop belittling women capabilities, and let us stand in the same ground as yours." I give him a determined eyes. He sighed.
"Galing mo talaga, bes. Proud friend here," Zain then grinned. I smirked.
"Proud daughter-in-law," pati si Xanthal ay nakisali habang bahagyang natatawa. Nilingon ko si Kiefer at saka muli ako ngumisi.
"So girls, who want to join me in showing those guys that we are not some kind of display here instead, we can also contribute a thing or two for this planet?"
Lumawak ang ngiti sa aking labi ng lahat sila ay unti-unting nagtaas ng kamay. I knew it, pwede na kong maging leader ng isang activist group. Pati nga si Celeste ay napataas ng kamay. Si Kiefer naman at bumuntong-hinga na lang habang kakamot-kamot sa kan'yang ulo. I can guess what he's thinking right now.
Clardia's so stubborn.
Yes. I am. But I know this stubbornness also cause a purpose.
Kung nandito lang ngayon sila Mom at Dad, malalaman nila na nilabag ko na agad ang kanilang bilin. Mabuti na lang talaga at wala sila.
Later on, I found ourselves in front of the study room. I stared at it first before turning my gazes to the four women at my back.
"Let's go, girls. Time to make them realize who women are." I said to them then, I opened the double door of the study.
"Generals we already visited all the crime scenes but, we found nothing relevant to solve the case." narinig kong sabi ni Lt. Neud habang nakatayo paharap sa tatlong heneral.
"That's true. We got all tired but, there's nothing that lead us to the suspect or suspects, Generals." sabi naman ng isang lalaki na hindi pamilyar sa'kin. But, he's wearing the same uniform as Sore eyes though.
"Were you saying that there's none a single strand of hair there, a fingerprint, blood, or anything that may be connected to the suspect, Lt. Charles? No single clue?" si Lucas naman ang nagsalita na nakaupo sa harap ng mesa ni Xavier. So, I guess that unfamiliar man's name is Charles and he is Lucas' Lieutenant.
"As far as I know brother, there is a one thing. According to the forensics, the suspect, or maybe one of the suspects is left-handed." sagot ni Greg sa kan'yang kapatid. Naka-upo rin ito sa harap ng mesa ni Xavier.
"That clue can't still narrow down our suspects. There's a lot of left-handed in this planet. What we need is a certain evidence or even a witness who may had a glimpse of the crime." sabi naman ni Xavier habang nakapatong ang kan'yang mga siko sa mesa at pinagdidikit ang dulo ng kan'yang mga daliri. He looks so serious.
Hindi pa rin nila kami napapansin, masyado silang abala sa pag-uusap.
"I know someone who's left-handed. And I think she is a considerable suspect." I said, while continuously walking inside. Lahat sila ay napalingon sa aking gawi at nakakunot ang mga noo.
"What... were you all doing here...?" si Xavier na ang unang nagtanong. Halos magkadikit na ang dalawa niyang mga kilay.
"Instead of asking me that, why don't you ask me instead on who is that left-handed woman, Xavier." I said upon giving him a gaze.
"Wife, I told you, I don't want you involved here..."
"But why?"
"Cause, I don't want you stressed you out."
"How about me, lil' brother? Why can't you involved me in this? I know it can't be because you're concern of me." Xanthal uttered, raising a brow at her sibling.
"Couz, we can handle this. There's no need to involve you girls." si Lucas ang sumagot sa kan'ya.
"I'm not talking to you, Thoren." inirapan ni Xanthal ang kan'yang pinsan.
Okay, me and my stubbornness. Xanthal and her attitude. We're doing good so far.
"Ms. Z? Don't tell me you're here too to get yourself involved? Because I won't let that happen. You're too precious to be put under this kind of tension." Greg said showing a furrowed brow at my girl bestfriend.
"Don't worry, Heneral Goryo. Bored lang ako kaya ako nandito. Saka support na rin dito sa bestfriend kong ewan ko ba kung anong pinaglalaban." Zain answered while shrugging.
"Wife," Xavier again called me. "Like what I said, I don't want to involve you in this matter anymore because it might be too much for you to handle especially, the way the victims were killed. I don't want you get scared and traumatized. I'm afraid you'll—"
"Are you saying that we, women are not strong enough to handle such thing? Are you saying that we're weak compared to you guys?" I asked my brows almost meeting its ends.
I think UrsaMinor will not be their first opponent in a war.
ฅ'ω'ฅ