Part 42
Nasa loob kami ng sasakyan habang tahimik naman si Darlene. I let out a sigh. That girl is giving me the face of her best friend. At alam ko ganoon rin si Darlene, tulala nga, e.
"Are you still thinking about that woman?"
Nilingon niya ako. "Oo, hindi kasi siya mawala sa isip ko." Binalik niya ang tingin sa daan.
"Me either." I was just shocked by that woman. Alam niya kasi ang nickname ni Darlene, hindi ko naman 'yon binabanggit kanina.
"Hindi siya mawala sa isip mo?"
"Yeah-What I mean is about what she said. She knows you and that's makes us shocked." Paglilinaw ko nang maintindihan ang pinupunto niya. "Iyong sinabi niya ang hindi ko makalimutan. Damn, sometimes I'll fix my words."
"Nakakashocked nga naman talaga. Kahit pa na isang word lang 'yon! Nakakapagtaka talaga."
Who wouldn't be?
"Sana makita ko ulit ang babaeng 'yon..." narinig kong sabi ni Darlene.
Nilingon ko siya.
Hindi ba pumapasok sa isip niya na baka buhay ang kaibigan niya?
Binalik ko ang tingin sa daan at saktong pumasok sa isip ko ang parents ko. November 1 is coming... should I visit them today? Para ako lang mag-isa. Sa ibang lugar sa cemetery kasi nakalibing ang ibang relatives namin na namatay.
Si Tita Serine ang nagdecide na sa tabi ng Miranda house cemetery ang kina Mommy at Daddy. Hindi rin alam ng Lola ko kung saan 'yon kaya hindi niya alam kung nakalibing ang Daddy ko.
Niyaya ko naman si Darlene na pumunta sa cemetery at pumayag naman siya. Niliko ko ang sasakyan para doon na dumiretso. Ngayon na rin ang uwi ni Tita Grace together with my siblings or baka nga ay nandito na sila at sa hotel na nag-stay.
"At Miranda's grave. I mean, beside the Miranda graves. It was like a house, you know? Then inside of that house, you'll see their tombstone," sabi ko nang tanungin niya kung saan nakalibing ang parents ko.
"Angas naman no'n. Pati sa kamatayan gusto magkatabi ang Miranda at Velasquez? Baka pag-namatay tayong dalawa gano'n rin."
Huh? Ayoko na magkapitbahay lang kami.
"Who said that we'll gonna be neighbors?" I raised my brow.
"Huh?"
"If you and I died, Miranda. I don't want us just to be neighbors. Gusto ko na isang coffin tayo."
I told her that I want us to be shared in one coffin. Gusto ko siyang kasama sa isang coffin tapos nakahug ako sa kanya o kaya nakahiga siya sa akin or maybe she was hugging me.
Ayoko ng magkapitbahay, ang gusto ko sa isang coffin o kaya magpa-customize na kaya ako for future purposes? Pero pangarap ko iyon, ah! I want to do that with her someday!
"Why? Ayaw mo bang pumunta sa langit kasama ko?" I asked but I realized the way I asked. "Sounds gross." Para kasing iba, parang ibang langit.
Tumingin ako sa daan. Baka kasi mabangga kaming dalawa tapos mapaaga na magshare kami sa coffin.
Bumili kami ng flowers for my parents. Binuksan ko ang pinto para lumabas siya. Hawak niya ang bulaklak nang pumasok kami sa house cemetery.
Nakatingin pa ako sa phone ko dahil may nag-message. The one I asked if they could put a fake body into the coffin, and he said, yes. Pwede gumawa using wax.
Ang daming pumasok sa isip ko tungkol sa pagkamatay ni Almendral.
What if he's alive? What if he survives?
Sumunod na ako kay Darlene kahit litong-lito na ako. Hindi na nga ako makatulog dahil doon. She put down the flower in my parents tombstone.
"Ano 'yong 'J' mo?"
Nagsindi ako ng kandila. "Javier," sagot ko nang matapos sa ginagawa.
Bumalik ako sa tabi ni Darlene, nakatingin siya sa harap ng puntod ng parents ko.
It's been four years since they died yet the pain is still here. I can't let go of it, it's still hurting me. I can't move on from their deaths.
Hindi ako nagsisinungaling sa parte na magugustuhan ni Mommy si Darlene. Alam kong magkakasundo sila. Sayang lang talaga at maagang nawala ang Mommy at Daddy ko. For sure, they will like her lalo na ang personality ng girlfriend ko. Darlene's personality is kinda unique, hindi lang kasi ako makapaniwala sa mga pinagsasabi niya at ginagawa.
I like her words of wisdom too kahit na minsan ay palamura siya, still like it.
I stared at my parents tombstone. Siguro kung nandito lang sila ay iba ang takbo ng buhay ko. Also, my grandmother wouldn't ever go back here in the Philippines dahil haharangin siya ni Dad. And if they are just here... ma-e-enjoy ko sana ang pagkabata ko.
But it didn't happen. I opened my eyes to the reality that I must take every responsibility in my young age. That I need to think about my family first before myself and wants. That I need to get everything dahil ako lang naman ang pinagkakatiwalaan ng daddy ko.
However, half of me was thankful because I finally stand on my own.
Pero galit pa rin ako sa gumawa nila sa kanila nito.
"Bal, ayos ka lang?"
Dahan-dahan akong tumango. "Yeah," Sagot niya. "I was just thinking of something."
"Anong something 'yon?"
"I was thinking about what you said, I can't sleep because of that. Iyong sinabi mong buhay si Almendral. You were right, I asked someone if you can make a fake body just to put on a coffin and he said yes."
"Wait... ibig-sabihin posibleng gano'n nga ang naging ending ng Almendral na 'yon at hindi talaga namatay?"
"Yes, love." Napabuga ako ng hangin. "What if Dad didn't shoot him directly to death? What if he survived and what if before he left my house... he shot my Mom and Dad? What if he's the main reason for my parents death? And, babe, I have a suspects. Maybe it was Almendral, his father's Organization members because of what my grandfather did to them and to Alessandro. Or maybe Almendral's clans, which are my enemies now?" I can't fucking sleep because of that. "What if Aristotle was helping him? Because if you remembered a year ago, you and I were kidnapped and it was Almendral and Aristotle. At the beginning, they know and help each other."
I have suspects. It maybe Almendral, what if he did that because he knew what happened from the past tapos nalaman namin na may gusto pala siya sa mommy ko. He can't accept that to the point that he wants me gone. At saka if ever na mabuhay siya, hindi malabong wala siyang katulong.
I'm not stupid to think that maybe Aristotle was helping him. Dahil umpisa palang magkakilala na silang dalawa.
"And aside from Almendral's clan, Aristotle and their Mafia Organization is our biggest enemy?"
Paano kung meron pang isa na organization silang kasama kaya parang lumakas ang pwersa nilang dalawa.
"Hindi malabo dahil kilala nila ang isa't-isa. At hindi rin malabo na kilala nila tayong lahat dahil nakita nila tayo sa iisang party."
At kahit na si Aristotle lang ang nasa party... alam kong hindi malabo na alam o kilala nila kaming lahat. Knowing our enemies, lahat gagawin nila mawala lang kami. Tss... as if mangyayari 'yon.
"Damn, if they really are then we must be ready. For sure they're doing something."
"Kaya nga 'yon ang gagawin natin pero sa ngayon alisin mo muna 'yon para makapag-focus tayo sa mama at papa mo at iba pang relatives mo."
Ngayong araw na nga pala sila uuwi.
Nanatili lang muna kami bago umalis..
"We're leaving now, Dad, Mom." I removed some leaves from their tombstone. Nakabukas pala ang bintana ng house cemetery. "I'll visit you if I have time or even if I haven't, I'll still visit you two. I love you so much Dad, Mom." I smiled.
Hinawakan ko na sa kamay si Darlene para makalabas. Inayos pa niya ang bulaklak at nagpaalam. Hindi pa kami umuwi dalawa dahil binisita namin ang Lola niya. Her grandfather is here to visit his wife.
"Darlene," He looked at Darlene.
"What's up, grandad."
Ganito pala talaga bumati si Darlene.
"I thought you were in Tagaytay? Kakauwi niyo lang?" Nilipat niya ang paningin sa akin.
"Yeah, we are just visiting my Mom and Dad. She wants to visit her grandmother," magalang kong sagot.
"I'm gonna visit Mariella also." He went inside. "Let's go inside."
Nakasunod kami sa kaniya hanggang sa makapasok sa loob. This is a huge house cemetery tapos may aircon pa. I think hindi na kailangan ng aircon dito kasi malamig na 'yong bangkay or worse baka buto na.
I'm just stating facts.
I looked at the name. Sinunod pala ang name ni Darlene doon sa grandma niya. Napaisip ako sandali. Siguro kung hindi namatay ang grandmother niya baka wala si Darlene ngayon dito, I mean for sure she's still in a Province right now.
Nilingon ko ang Lolo niya nang magsalita. He told us about how Darlene's grandmother died. I just can't believe that they involved Darlene's grandmother para lang makuha si Darlene. But still hindi nila nakuha. They kill her grandmother for some stupid reason.
After a long hour, niyaya ko na si Darlene. Nag-paalam muna siya sa puntod ng lola niya bago kami umalis.
"Hindi lang kulong ang sapat sa kanila.... " Darlene let out a sigh.
She was talking about those people who killed her grandmother.
"I know but... don't kill them using your hands, okay? Let them kill themselves, let them realize their mistakes to the point that they can't forgive themselves. Sapat na siguro ang nabawian mo ng buhay, Miranda."
I saw the rules if you are a Princess or Prince. Naiintindihan ko na kung bakit bawal pumatay si Darius nang sabihin niya na bawal siyang kumitil ng buhay. It was against the rules.
They can't kill a person if they are a Duke or Duchess.
Nang makarating kami sa bahay nila, una na siyang bumaba at nakasunod naman ako. Gusto ko siyang kasama sa condo pero sabi niya kapag walang ganap.
Kailan ko kaya siya makakasama sa isang condo? 'Yong kaming dalawa lang. I scratched my forehead as we stopped in front of Darius.
"Hey, nangitim ka." Lumapit siya kay Darlene, he kissed her forehead before sitting on the stairs.
"Hoy, kapal mo. Hindi nga ako nag-swimming, e! Nag-Jet Ski lang kami!"
"Kaya pala... and you?" He looked at me, asking.
"Still handsome, Darius." Inakbayan ko si Darlene.
I smirked at him.
"Bagay nga kayo, parehas kayong mahangin." Umirap siya.
"Ikaw naman.... Wala pa rin lovelife. Gusto mo bang hanapan kita? Marami akong kilala." Darlene smirked.
"No way, I'd rather stay single."
"Mapili ka lang." I corrected it.
He rolled his eyes then looked at his sister. "Wait, ano ang sasabihin mo sa 'kin?"
"We saw a woman in Tagaytay, I don't know if it's a big deal or not but that woman knows your sister. She was even shocked when she realized that she said the 'Lin' word, which is her name," sagot ko dahil alam kong hindi mae-explain ni Darlene.
Darius got confused. Alam kong iniisip niya ang mga pinagsasabi namin ni Darlene sa kaniya. At talagang inakusa niya pa akong tinawag si Darlene sa nickname na 'yon, e, hindi ko kaya sinabi. I love calling Darlene into different call signs.
At kapag surname ni Darlene minsan ay lahat sila napapatingin sa akin.
Akala kasi yata nila buong pamilya ko silang tinatawag kaya nalingon sila sa akin. Girlfriend ko lang ang tinatawag ko.
"True 'yon, brother. What if buhay nga talaga siya pero hindi lang nagpapakita? Tangina!"
Darlene looked stressed but when Amir showed up and asked about the last word... tatlo kaming hindi makagalaw.
Ano daw 'yong word na 'tangina'.
Drake glared. Binitiwan ko si Darlene at saka tiningnan ang painting sa wall. Minsan talaga parang gusto ko nalang lumayo sa kaniya, e, lalo kapag sumasabit siya. Hirap tuloy siyang mag-explain kay Amir.
"Anyways, huwag na nga nating pag-usapan ang pinaguusapan natin kanina." Iniwan kami ni Darlene kaya kaming dalawa ni Darius ang magkasama.
Hinintay ko siyang makapasok sa buong kwarto bago nilingon si Darius.
"Hindi naman siguro si Lara 'yon..." he let out a sigh. "Alam mo na baka... iba lang."
"Then how can you explain what happened earlier?"
He can't speak.
"Ayokong umasa na buhay siya tapos hindi pala. I don't want to get hurt in the end. I don't want to feel what I felt a year ago."
I understand that. I know he wants to save himself from the pain kaya ayaw niyang umasa.
"But Darius, there's a lot of evidence that maybe she was alive. Why don't you investigate? At first when we're in the plaza, the letter. Second, the CCTV where I told you that I saw her, and lastly, this one." I told him about what happened from the past weeks.
Hindi pa rin siya makasagot.
"Calling Darlene that way isn't a coincidence. We both knew that before we both met your sister, mas nauna silang nagkakilala dalawa. Lara and Darlene knew each other first before us." Iniwan ko siyang mag-isa para pumasok sa kwarto ni Darlene.
There's nothing wrong with investigating.
Hinanap ng mata ko si Lucy nang makapasok ako sa kwarto ni Darlene. She wasn't in her bed. Lumabas ako para puntahan kung nasaan si Darlene.
Nagulat ako sa tanong ni Drake nang pumasok ako. He was asking Darlene if she was pregnant.
"She's not pregnant. Wala ngang nangyayari, e." Mabilis akong nilingon ni Darlene kaya nanahimik ako. "I'm just-nothing." Iniwas ko ang tingin bago sumandal. "Lucy wasn't in your room." I changed the topic.
Napakamot ako sa noo nang hindi pa rin sila tapos sa topic na buntis. Darlene clarified that no one's pregnant, tinanong na niya kung nasaan si Lucy. And fuck, manganganak na pala siya! God, I am not ready to see her babies.
Niyaya naman ako ni Darlene na umalis na after finding out na nasa vet ang fur baby namin. Pumasok ako sa shotgun. Ang bilis niyang mag-drive at kahit na may sasakyan sa harap namin bigla-bigla siyang lumiliko para mauna.
"Bal, slow down." I held my seatbelt and pray silently dahil parang kung saan ang diretso namin ni Darlene.
Ang bilis niyang mag-drive.
Pumasok agad kami sa loob ng vet nang makarating doon. We even saw Gianna, Alexis, and Andrei inside. Hinayaan namin silang tatlo nang malaman naming nasa loob si Lucy kaso bawal pala sa loob kaya sa bintana kami nag-stay.
We saw Lucy lying on the bed while roughly giving birth to her babies. She's looking at the door, waiting for someone. Her eyes were half open. But when she saw her mommy, her eyes opened.
"Nix... si Lucy..." Darlene almost cried.
Lucy barked while looking in our direction.
"She'll be fine..." I caressed her back.
We watched Lucy give birth to her babies but she can't. Hanggang sa nakiusap ang nurse na doon kami baka raw sakaling kumalma si Lucy. Nagbaba ako ng tingin kay Lucy. I caressed her tummy while Darlene's trying to say something para mag-give birth ang fur baby namin.
Andy Lucy finally did it. Tuwang-tuwa naman si Darlene. Nanatili kami sa labas para maghintay. Any moment ay pwede na rin namin maiuwi si Lucy pero may mga reminders pa sa amin.
"Phoenix, ang cute!" Tinuro niya ang isang chow-chow na color brown. "Ang cute!"
Ang cute nga. Color brown at white ang mga baby chow-chow tapos ang taba pa. Cute. Pumayag si Zay na iyong chow-chow ay sa amin ni Darlene dahil kailangan ng breastfeed galing kay Lucy.
"Phoenix, hindi siya gumagalaw." Biglaan sabi niya nang makita si Lucy.
Lumingon ako kay Darlene. "What do you mean?"
"Hindi siya gumagalaw." Niyugyog niya si Lucy na nakapikit.
Kinabahan rin ako kaya hinawakan ko si Lucy. Dalawa kaming kinakabahan 'yon pala... nagpapahinga lang siya.
"Masakit kaya manganak?" She suddenly asked.
Nasa labas na kami, naghihintay.
"I don't know. I don't have womanhood, Miranda. Hindi ako nanganganak. I don't have any ovaries either. All I can produce is sperms so I can make you preg-." Natigil ako sa pagsasalita dahil hinampas niya ako.
Ang sakit talaga ng kamay niya.
"Tanginang 'to. Sapakin kaya kita ng todo?"
I laughed loudly. "It's a fact, Miranda."
Ako ang magbibigay sa kaniya para magkaroon kami ng anak dalawa. Lalaki naman ang gumagawa n'on.
"Ang ibig kong sabihin kasi ay kung masakit ba talaga 'yon." She corrected.
Bakit ba niya naitatanong?
"I think yes," I don't know. "Why did you ask?"
"Wala lang."
Iniisip niya ba na magkaroon ng anak ngayon?
Hindi pa ako ready maging daddy, soon na lang.
Mahal ang gatas at diaper kahit afford ng pera ko ang sampung anak. At saka mahirap kaya magpalaki ng anak. Bumalik na kami sa bahay nila nang matapos si Lucy. She's in a cage while her babies are in the box.
"Pa, may apo ka ng bago!" Darlene yelled when we entered their house.
Naubo ako.
Tito Dylan was busy reading, natigilan pa siya. "What do you mean by that, Darlene?"
The fuck. Tumingin si Tito sa akin, his eyes were serious. Humawak ako sa kamay ni Darlene para bulungan siya na ayusin ang sinabi niya kanina, para kasing naiba nang pagkakaintindi si Tito.
"Lumabas na kasi ang baby ni Lucy kaya ibig sabihin may apo ka na ulit na bago." Minsan kailangan talaga ni Darlene ng maayos na sentence.
"Sometimes fix your sentence." I whispered. "I don't wanna die, okay?"
Dahil sa words niya muntik na akong mawalan ng buhay, galing pa naman kaming Tagaytay. Baka isipin nila may nangyari kahit wala naman.
"Shit, it gave me relief." Tito Dylan let out a sigh.
Me too, it gave me relief. Naupo ako sa sofa habang pinapanood si Darlene na ilapag si Lucy sa tiles. Her babies were so cute.
I wonder what their name is?
Balak ko na sanang umuwi kaso niyaya pa ako ni Darlene na kumain sa kanila. I said yes since I'm starving too, hindi pa kami kumakain ng lunch. Lumabas rin kasi si Tita Serine para tawagin kami.
After that I bid a goodbye to them. Kasama ko si Darlene nang lumabas ako para ihatid.
"Ba-bye." She kissed me softly.
"Bye." Binitiwan ko na siya para pumasok sa kotse. I signed that go inside before I leave, she nodded and waved her back as she turned her back.
Hindi ako sa mansion dumiretso dahil nasa Hotel na silang lahat. Hindi naman ako kinakabahan na dumating ang Lola ko, I don't need to be nervous.
Wala namang nakakaba dahil gusto ko pa rin ang masusunod. I will never let anyone decided for my own good, alam ko ang mas makabubuti sa akin. And marrying that woman isn't good.
Nang makarating ako sa labas ng Hotel, nakita ko si Kio. Lumapit agad siya nang makababa ako sa kotse.
"Six pa pala ang dating ng family mo, boss," Kio said.
"Okay then, I'll just wait in my hotel room."
Dumaan rin ako kay Tita Grace, niyaya pa niya akong mag-lunch pero tumanggi ako dahil kakain ko lang ng lunch.
I stayed in my hotel room to wait for time. Pumasok sa isip ko na padalhan ng dress si Darlene kaya tinawagan ko si Jin.
"Buy Darlene a dress tapos ipadala mo sa bahay nila," sabi ko kay Jin.
"Ang pogi ko naman para d'yan," he touched his face. "Pero sige ako na ang bahala, isasama ko si Lala. Hindi kasi ako marunong sa girlie stuff." Lumabas siya pero agad rin bumalik. "Wala akong cash."
I took my wallet to get ten thousand. Binigay ko sa kaniya ang pera para makaalis na siya. Lumabas naman siya ng hotel room ko pero hindi pa naisasara ang pinto pumasok ang isang bodyguard.
"Sir, we already followed the woman," one of my bodyguards said.
"Did Darlene and I know about that woman?"
He shrugged. "We don't know, Sir. According to Jin, may inutos rin si Sir. Darius sa kaniya para may hanapin na babae and we found out na iisang tao lang pala 'yon. At saktong nasa Tagaytay. Ang babaeng nakabangga ni Miss. Darlene, 'yon din ang pinapahanap ni Sir. Darius."
I stopped. I couldn't help but to be shocked. "Did you get the name?"
He nodded. "Yes, Sir," he gave me the papers. " We had information about the woman. Her name was Latasha... Milestone? This is what we've got."
"Milestone...?" I asked.
This is unique, huh. May ganito palang surname.
"The fuck," I cursed as I saw the information.
Latasha Milestone, 18 years old.
May asawa at sampung anak sa iba't ibang kpop idol. Housewife o bahay na asawa.
"Who made this?"
"No one, Sir. We just printed out the information. Gulat rin kami ng ganyan ang nasa informations. Naghanap pa kami kaso wala kaming nakita. Ayan lang talaga."
18 years old pero may sampu ng anak? What the fuck. Anong trip nito?
Binaba ko ang papel.
"Maybe Darius has something on this woman. And maybe, I was right... this woman is Lara."
I told him to leave. Naiwan ang papers kaya isa isa ko ulit binasa. Hanggang sa kinuha ko ang phone ko sa table para tawagan si Mavis.
I know he can define the identity if it's fake or not and I need to find the truth kung totoong may Latasha Milestone sa mundo.
"[Hey, do you need anything?]" He asked after answering the call.
"Yeah," I was using my laptop while I was calling him using my phone. "I'll send you a file. An identity file, check if it's fake or not. I'm not sure if this is true." Pinagmasdan ko ang nasa screen. "You can detect that, right?"
"[Yeah, it can detect, Nix. I can also retrieve some information.]"
"Good, check it. I need it now. Call me after you finish." I ended the call.
Sumandal ako sa backrest habang nasa isip ko pa rin na buhay ang kaibigan ni Darlene. If she's alive then why is she not showing up? Why is she hiding?
Noong nasa mall kami ni Darlene noon. Nakita ko may babaeng nakatingin sa kaniya. Is that Lara? I saw how that woman looked in her.
Napatingin ako sa lamesa nang makitang tumunog ang cellphone ko. I thought it was Mavis, si Darlene pala ang tumawag.
"[Love...]"
Did she receive the dress?
"Have you received the dress, love?" My voice was soft.
"[Yes po, na-received ko na. Ang ganda, ha. Sinong pumili nito?]"
"Si Lala," I chuckled. "Pero ako ang nagbayad."
"[Sige na nga, sa 'yo naman galing, e.]" Natawa siya. "[Bye na, I love you.]" Pinatay niya agad ang tawag bago pa ako makasagot
Ang pangalan naman ni Mavis ang lumabas sa screen kaya agad kong sinagot ang tawag.
"[Nix, walang Latasha Milestone na lumabas. Even pictures, wala. That identity is fake.]" Bungad ni Mavis. "[I tried to find but nothing. Nagpatulong na rin ako kay Harris, but still nothing but I saw something.]"
"What is it?"
"[It was about Gia... this woman had a contact with Gianna once.]"
"Can you explain it properly?"
"[Gianna and Latasha knew each other. Lumabas sa system na nagkaroon ng contact si Gia sa babaeng 'to, I tried to figure out what their connection was but it looked like... the system was locked. And I know, Nix... Gia knew how to lock a system.]"
Pumasok sa isip ko ang nakita ko sa footage. Galing sa labas si Gianna as I remembered iyong babae sa footage. May lumapit sa kaniya... it is Gianna? No, it's not a question. It is really Gianna.
"Thanks, Mavis." Pinatay ko na ang tawag para sumaglit sa bahay nila Gianna.
I called Kio to prepare the car. Nagpaalam ako kay Tita na aalis saglit. Halos magmadali na ako para lang makarating kung saan siya nakatira.
I stopped my car in front of the black gate. I rang the doorbell multiple times.
"Grabe makapang-doorbell! Galing US 'yan-uy, Phoenix." Gianna was shocked to see me. "Ikaw pala 'yong nag-doorbell, anong ginagawa mo dito?"
"Gia, I know you knew something." I saw the confusion in her eyes.
"Ano?" Kumunot ang noo niya.
"I know... you knew that Lara was alive, am I right?" Diretso kong sinabi.
"Nix, ano bang sinasabi mo?" She tried to avoid my question. "Matagal na siyang patay, 'di ba?"
"Stop playing innocent, Gia. The name Latasha Milestone isn't true. It was fake and according to Mavis, you had a connection with that woman. Tell me, is she alive or not?"
Hindi niya masagot ang tanong ko.
"Gia, I want the truth."
"Tangina," mura niya. She let out a sigh before nodding. "Okay, alam kong buhay siya. Buhay na buhay." She confessed.
Nagulat ako. It's true... iyong mga sinasabi ni Darlene noon na baka fake 'yong nasa coffin. It was really fake and Lara's alive.
"But how?"
"Hindi lang naman ako part ng organization, secret agent rin ako, 'di ba? Inutusan ako ni Tita Serine na alamin kung totoo bang patay ang kaibigan ni Darlene. Pinakiusapan ko 'yong caretaker ng sementeryo para mahukay kung saan siya nakalibing at ibang babae pala 'yong nakalibing."
My lips parted. So, siya 'yong sumusunod kay Darlene noon pa man.
"At iyon, nalaman kong buhay siya. Noong una hindi makapaniwala si Tita Serine sa sinabi ko."
"Tita Serine knew?"
She nodded. "Oo, siya lang. Kaming dalawa lang ang may alam. Ayaw niya raw na kasing madamay si Lara sa gulo kaya hindi niya sinasabi, dahil kapag nalaman ni Darlene at Darius... may possibility na hanapin nila 'yon. At hindi malabong madamay ang kaibigan ni Darlene," sagot niya.
All this time she knew that Lara was alive, and Tita hid it on purposes dahil ayaw niyang maulit ang nangyari noon na nadamay si Lara.
"Nadudulas na nga ako minsan tungkol sa pagiging buhay ng labidabs ni Darius. Mabuti na lang marunong akong magpalusot."
"Then ikaw rin 'yon babae sa footage at 'yong nilapitan mo noon ay si Lara noong galing ka sa labas." It's not a question but she nodded.
"Nix, pinagkakatiwalaan ako ni Lara. Nangako ako na hindi ko sasabihin kanino man na buhay siya. Kahit kay Darlene o Darius kaya sana gano'n ka rin." Halos sabihin niya na huwag kong sabihin kanino man. "Ayaw niya lang magpakita dahil alam kong may rason siya kaya sana 'wag natin siya pangunahan."
I nodded. "I will be quiet but tell her stop hiding. Malapit nang mabaliw si Darius kakaisip kung buhay ba siya o patay. Baka mamaya sumunod siya tapos malalaman niya wala si Lara sa langit."
Tumawa naman siya pero agad rin tumigil.
We both looked in her back when a car stopped. Sinundan ko ng tingin ang nasa driver's seat. Seconds after... Lara went down.
She was shocked to see me here.
"Putang ina," napahawak pa siya sa dibdib nang makita aki
Magkaibigan nga kayo ni Darlene.
"Lara, alam niyang buhay ka..." Gianna said.
Buhay na buhay at humihinga.
"Obvious naman, e, hindi naman siya tanga. Teka nga, tanga ka ba?" Tanong ni Lara sa akin.
I rolled my eyes.
"Sungit as ever..." she shook her head. "So, ano na? Ngayon alam mo na, may plano kang sabihin?"
"Mukha bang nasa plano ko 'yon?" I asked her back.
She rolled her eyes. "Paano mo nalaman?"
"Sino ba naman kasing tao ang maglalagay ng sampung anak at housewife o taong bahay sa identity niya?"
"Nagtatanong ako tapos magtatanong ka rin? Gago," she said. "So, ano na? Sasabihin mo ba kay Michelle? Gago, 'wag. Huwag mong sasabihin."
"I won't do that." Hindi naman kasi talaga. I know she has reason why she's hiding
"Edi goods. Huwag na huwag mo talagang sasabihin kay Michelle. Tatakutin ko pa kasi siya. Gusto ko siyang matakot."
"Tss... pa 'I don't know you, Miss' ka pa kanina." That what she said noong nabangga niya si Darlene. "And if you don't know, pinapahanap ka ni Darius. And actually, he has already moved on."
"Pakyu," she raised her middle finger. "Iiyak ba 'yon sa pekeng libingan na 'yon kung naka-move on siya? At saka, hindi ako makapaniwala na boyfriend ka ni Michelle, alam ko kasi hindi 'yon pumapatol sa gago."
What the fuck? "Hey, that's foul," sabi ko agad.
I can't believe her! Ngayon ko na nga lang ulit siya nakausap tapos gumaganito pa siya.
"Ay, nasaktan. Truth hurts." She pointed to me, tumingin siya kay Gia. "Paano niya nalaman?"
"Kasi naman ng identity mo, Abi. Mabubuking ka talaga," Gianna scratched her forehead.
"Unique nga 'yon." Binalik niya ang tingin sa akin. "Sinasabi ko sa 'yo. Wala dapat makakaalam nito."
"Sige, no one will find this. At saka maniwala ka, Darius moved on. He's in love with someone. Balak niya nga raw pakasalan." I smirked.
"Tangina mo naman, huwag kang magbiro. Kumatok ka sa kahoy, gago 'to! Hiwalayan ka sana ni Darlene. "
"Hey! Don't say that! Gusto mo yatang magpakasal si Darius."
"Hihiwalayan ka ni Darlene."
Balak kong sumagot nang magsalita si Gianna. "Tanginang bardagulan 'yan."
Lara rolled her eyes.
"Makaalis na nga." Irap ko.
"Susunod na lang ako sa party mo," Gianna said. "Sama ka, gusto mo?" She asked Lara.
"Edi nabuking ako, gago."
"Sabi ko nga hindi." Tawa ni Gianna.
Bumalik ako sa loob ng sasakyan para bumalik sa hotel.
Darlene's best friend is really alive. No joke or something. It was real. But I can't just say that to them because like what Gianna said, Lara was trusting her.
Ayoko rin naman mangialam pero it was Darlene's friend.
I let out a sigh. But yeah... that's Lara's decision. Hindi ko na lang pakikialaman.
Pagbalik ko sa hotel. Nag-ayos na ako, I took a bath and wore my formal clothes that Tita Grace prepared. We waited for my grandmother until they arrived.
We are in the lobby to wait for her. Biglang may pumasok sa entrance. It was them... my Father's family.
"Good evening," I greeted my grandmother.
She's here.
"Good evening, Phoenix." Nagbaba siya ng tingin sa mga kapatid ko. "Good evening, Phoebe and Preston." She hugged my siblings. "How are you?"
"We're fine." Phoebe smiled.
"Good evening," Tita Grace speak, napatingin sa kaniya si Lola. Tita Grace's expression were different, parang handa na siya sa pwedeng ibagsak na salita ni Lola patungkol sa kaniya.
"Good evening," Lola said, then looked at me. "Can we talk upstairs?"
Nilingon ako ni Tita. "Go, Nix. I'll take care of them."
Dumiretso na lang kami sa hotel room. Kasama pala namin ang ibam. They asking me a question at sumasagot naman ako ng maayos sa kanila.
We are inside the room, sitting on the sofa. I'm with Lala.
"How's the company?"
Building pa rin.
"It's fine, going up because of me." I'm a CEO of course patataasin ko 'yon.
"Buti hindi bumagsak sa'yo?" Oliver smirked.
"Yeah, buti na nga lang, e. Matalino at magaling kasi ako kaya hindi bumagsak. Siguro kung na sa'yo 'yon baka marami ka nang utang ngayon," I drank my wine.
I saw Tita Eda brows furrowed. Oliver almost stood up but Lola stopped him.
I leaned on the sofa.
"At least hindi nasayang ang pagod ng daddy at Lolo mo kung papabagsakin mo."
Pinagkakatiwalaan ako ni Dad kaya hinding hindi ko gagawin 'yon.
"I can't do that especially if I was chosen to inherit everything from those islands, money, and company. Because you know? I am the first born." I was teasing Oliver.
Nakita kong napikon agad siya.
"Si Oliver dapat ang magmamana n'on." My stupid cousin speak.
"Really?" I asked, acting innocent. "Then sorry for him, I got everything."
I saw Lala drinking her wine with a laughing face.
"Are you fucking teasing me?!" Tumayo si Oliver.
"Of course not, why would I do that? Well, I'm just stating facts."
"Stop!" Lola looked at Oliver. "And you, masyado kang pikon." Binalik niya ang tingin sa akin. "Do you know why we're here right?"
Napalingon si Lala sa akin. "Is this about..."
Tumingin ako kay Lola. "It's about the stupid wedding?"
"It's not stupid, that woman will be your future wife."
"Nix, stop me here. Ako ang sasampal for my dear cousin-in-law." Lala tried to smile but ended up rolling her eyes secretly.
"You need to sign this..." nagbaba siya ng papel.
My brows furrowed when I saw the damn fucking prenup paper. What the fuck?
"I have a girlfriend and no one can stop my love for her. If you want that marriage then why don't you just choose Oliver to marry that woman baka sakaling may makuha pa siya d'on?" My voice became serious which made them all stop.
Hindi sila makasagot sa sinabi ko.
"And as if may makukuha ang babae na 'yon sa oras na pakasalan ko siya. Well, if you don't know, Lola. Pangalan na ng girlfriend ko ang nakalagay sa papel na if ever something bad happens to me... she will get everything. From my money to the company, and no one can change that." Pabagsak kong binaba ang prenup paper matapos punitin sa gitna.
"Ano bang meron sa babae na 'yon?" She asked.
"Marami," lahat na kay Darlene kaya nga hindi ko siya mapakawalan.
"Like what? Like she's hot? Tell me, is she sexy? Good kisser? Master in bed? Does she make you happy? Is she good in sex?" Oliver smirked.
Nag-init ang ulo ko sa sinabi ni Oliver. I grabbed his necktie. Malakas ang ginawa kong suntok sa kaniya dahilan para bumagsak siya sa sahig.
"Oliver! Phoenix!" Saway ni Tita Eda. "You and your fucking mouth, Oliver!"
Tito Roi held my arm to stop me, pabagsak kong inalis ang kamay niya. "Stop it." He looked at Oliver. "I don't like your words Oliver. Give respect to his girlfriend."
Oliver stood up while wiping the blood beside his lips.
"What? Am I right, Nix? That's the reason why you can't leave that fucking whore."
Mas lalong nag-init ang ulo ko sa sinabi ni Oliver.
Kinuha ko ang baril sa isang bodyguard ko. They did it too and were ready for some tragedy. They were shocked to see what's in my hands.
I pointed my gun straight to his head. "Isa pang salita mo tungkol kay Darlene, magsasama kayo ni Satanas sa impyerno." I hissed.
Her Mom was shocked even by my other relatives. My grandmother couldn't speak. Pinipigilan ako ni Lala pero wala akong pakialam.
"Gaguhin mo na o pagsalitaan mo ng masama ang ibang babae. Huwag na huwag lang si Darlene."
Napasigaw ang iba ng paputukan ko ang vase sa tabi ni Oliver. Napatayo si Lala para alisin ang baril sa kamay ko pero inalis ko ang kamay niya.
"One more unrespectful word, ipapadala kita sa impyerno. Don't you ever dare test my patience, Oliver, because if you did, you're having a reunion with your friends in hell."
Hindi siya makagalaw sa kinatatayuan niya.
"Don't you ever dare to make me your enemy, Oliver. Because if you are my enemy, you are probably lying on the floor now with dripping blood of yours."
Kinuha agad ng bodyguard ang baril nang humarap ako sa kaniya.
Tiningnan ko silang bago iniwan para lumabas. Konting oras na lang magsisimula na ang party tapos ganito ang nangyari.
I stayed outside of the event. Nakita ko si Tita Grace na nasa isang table, nilapitan niya agad ako nang makita ako. She looks so worried.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine, Tita, nakakatangina lang si Oliver." Kung hindi ko lang siya pinsan matagal na sana niyang kapiling si Satanas.
"Why? What happened?" She asked, worried.
"Oliver said some unpleasant words towards Darlene. My head hitted up and I couldn't control myself. Tinutukan ko siya ng baril." I loosened up my necktie then unbuttoned my sleeve. Ang init na nga tapos dadagdag pa siya sa init ng ulo ko.
Kung hindi ko lang siya kamag-anak baka nakahiga na siya kabaong ngayon at iniiyakan.
"You did that?" Tumango ako. "My god, your grandmother was there."
"I know, but she can't speak."
Ayoko sa kasal na 'to. Wala akong pakialam sa kasal na mangyayari and it will stop today.
Every family went to the party. Lahat ng kilala sa business undustry ay inimbita pala ni Lala, some of them are around 20's. May kilala naman si Tita sa kanila kaya nilalapitan niya.
Nakita kong may pumasok mula sa entrance. It was a Family. My grandmother went to them and greeted them. I have doubts about this family.
Dumating na rin pala sina Trevor kaya nang makita ako sa pwesto ko sila dumiretso. Harris was holding a glass, while Mavis kept on blowing the smoke.
No vaping in this place but he kept on vaping.
"What happened in Tagaytay?" Harris drank the wine.
They knew the true purpose of why Darlene and I went to Tagaytay.
"You didn't tell her, did you?" Trevor asked.
"Sa tingin ko hindi pa niya alam," Harvey said.
"I told you, it's hard to tell. Hindi naman gano'n kadali 'yon. It was a happy day then I will just ruin it?" I saw how happy she was when we went to Tagaytay.
They can't answer.
"Kayo kasi... e. Ang dami pwedeng gawin 'yon pa."
"There's no point kung magtuturuan tayong lahat dito. All of us are wrong. We were the one who lied, played, and felt like we betrayed her." Dash looked at us.
"Betrayed who?"
Lumingon kaming lahat sa nagsalita. It was Laureen. Nagulat naman kaming lahat.
"Laureen," nagulat rin sila. "May narinig ka ba?"
Laureen shook her head. "Except sa betrayed. Sinong tinutukoy niyo?"
"Uh..." Gael can't answer the question. "Alam mo 'yong ano... palabas na movie? Iyong basta bini-betrayed siya. Hindi kasi namin alam kung ano...."
"K-Kaya pinag-uusapan namin." Harvey added.
Laureen nodded. "Akala ko naman kung ano. Anyway, I'm going to drink. See you around, boys."
Sinundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang makarating siya sa kung nasaan ang drinks.
"Let's just not talk about this," iniwan ko silang lahat.
Marami ng tao pero wala pa rin ang pamilya nila Darius. I just talked with some friends while waiting. Nandito rin pala ang mga kaibigan ni Drake.
"You look not so good," Shion commented when he saw me.
"You look like a demon," I also commented.
"Grabe, Phoenix, ha." He rolled his eyes. "Anyways, ikaw ha! Girlfriend mo pala si bebe Linlin!"
"Tss... matagal na."
"Alam ko kaya 'yon! I just can't imagine na may boyfriend na siya. Parang dati lang kasi lagi niya akong binabara nung bata siya, alam mo 'yon? Pati 'yong mga dinidate ni Drake noon walang-wala sa kaniya, umuuwing luhaan dahil sa kaniya."
Maldita since birth pala si Darlene.
"And if you just knew, she threw a damn drink with Drake's ex-girl before. Wanna know the reason? Hindi raw kasi siya nagagandahan sa babae." Kester added. "Siya lang daw kasi ang maganda."
What the heck?
Shion laughed. "That was true."
Ang maldita pala ni Darlene noon kaya niya siguro ako sinuntok noon.
Umalis na rin silang dalawa para puntahan ang mga kilala nila. Naka-received ako ng message galing kay Darlene na parating na raw sila.
I stayed in the garden. Marami ng bisita sa loob at ang Lola ko ang humaharap. I didn't notice that I stayed here for almost a half hour.
"You're here."
I looked to my right, and a woman was standing there.
"Who are you?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Hazelle," she smiled sweetly.
What the fuck.
"Why can't you smile? By the way, I am your fiancé."
"Don't touch me." Inalis ko ang kamay niya. "And stop saying that, I don't like you. Mas bagay kayo ni Oliver."
"But I like you, can't you see? Our families agreed."
I laughed sarcastically. "What family are you talking about? My grandmother? Then she's fucking joking."
Kung pamilya ko siya sana noon palang tinulungan na niya ako. Hindi niya sana ako tinalikuran noong panahon na namatay ang mommy at daddy ko. I sought help for them but they didn't help me. I was only thirteen pero nagawa nila akong talikuran.
"And by the way, if you don't know. I have a girlfriend. Smart, pretty, and everyone's dream. So stop dreaming that a wedding will happen 'cause it's not. Hindi ko siya kayang ipagpalit sa katulad mo."
I left but she held my arm.
"Why can't you accept the fact that you and I need to get married. That you are my fianceé!" She emphasize the last word which made me fucking almost puked.
No fucking way. It's only her. It's only Darlene.
"And why can't you accept the fact that I have a girlfriend." I removed her hands from my arms. "I will never leave her. I never will, so stop saying that." I hissed. Pabagsak kong binitawan ang kamay niya para lumayo siya.
"You will end up with me!" She shouted like she really wants that to happen.
"In your dreams," I smirked before walking away.
I don't want to waste my time on her stupid words. I don't want to talk to her in short. She has nothing to me, and she's fucking annoying. Hindi niya maintindihan na may girlfriend ako.
If I can just sue her right now, kanina ko pa ginawa.
I was busy talking to my friends, hindi ko rin napansin na dumating si Darlene at ang family niya. We are just texting each other, and hindi ko alam kung nasaan siya. Kundi ko pa nakita si Darius sa labas ng event hindi ko pa malalaman kung nasaan siya.