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a/n:
enjoy reading :)))
sorry for typos and grammatical errorrrrr
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Alyssa's last year in Greendale, Senior year...
Yeah she's got your eyes
But they don't quite shine
Like the way yours always do
"Ly..."
Nagulat si Alyssa sa nagsalita at nagmadaling buksan ang bag niya upang itago ang ballpen at papel na sinulatan niya. Nang maisara ay hinarap niya ang nagsalita.
"Laura." gulat na sambit ni Alyssa kay Laura na kapapasok lang sa library. "'Kala ko nakauwi ka na."
Katatapos lang ulit ng rehearsal nila para sa High School Graduation next week. Sakto namang nasa school din ang parents ni Laura dahil may inaasikasong mga dokumento ni Laura kaya hindi ito pwedeng ihatid ni Alyssa pauwi. Dahil na rin hindi sila legal at hindi out si Laura. Si Alyssa naman ay napagdesisyonan lang tumambay sa library.
Her girlfriend smiled at her.
Binati ni Laura ng halik sa pisngi si Alyssa saka hinatak ang upuan sa tapat nito para umupo.
"I will, I just forgot to tell you something." sabi naman ni Laura.
Laura looked at her. Alyssa was just writing about those eyes, but not in the way people would think.
It's almost a year since Laura said yes. Who would have expected? Not Alyssa. She had no idea how she managed to get into a relationship.
"What is it?" tanong naman ni Alyssa.
"It's about studying in US." sabi ni Laura. Napag-usapan nila na plano pag-aralin ng parents ni Laura siya sa US kung gugustuhin nito. "I've already decided."
Alyssa slightly shifted her position. "What's your decision?" she asked.
"I'm..." Laura said. "...leaving."
Alyssa didn't respond right away. Laura looked at her intently as if trying to figure out what her reaction was, but she couldn't. She couldn't tell what Alyssa was thinking.
"If that's what you want." Alyssa said.
Her tone was calm and respectful yet Laura felt hurt.
Instead, Laura felt coldness in Alyssa's tone, maybe because Alyssa felt Laura was abandoning her? No, Laura thought Alyssa had always been like this. She was probably glad to be finally free from Laura.
That was what Laura felt about this relationship. Laura made decisions and Alyssa just always went along with it. Even entering this relationship when Alyssa obviously no longer wanted it. Alyssa was always present physically, but never mentally.
Laura spoke again, breaking the silence.
"Ly," Laura said, her tone changed. "I just wanna say thank you." there was pain and sincerity.
Alyssa would've said welcome but she sensed Laura wasn't thanking her for that... and she was right.
"For making me happy..." Laura continued. "Even when I can't do the same to you." then she smiled sadly. She heaved a sigh as if pulling strength to say the next words. "Seems like she left with your heart."
Alyssa was taken aback. "L-lau..." she instantly knew who Laura was talking about. But what made it worse was how she mentally agreed Laura was right.
"I won't make it difficult for you this time. A year is enough." Laura said then held Alyssa's hand. "If any of them asked, let's just tell them it's me who ended it. That it's me who fell out of love. I don't wanna come out of that door like a loser you know." Laura begged then let out a soft chuckle.
"Laura I---"
"No, please don't say anything." Laura pleaded and slightly shook her head. "You would just be too nice again and I might regret my decision." Laura cut her off. "Let me out of that door... don't say anything or run after me."
Laura looked at her in the eyes again. Probably savoring the last minutes. Then she stood up and ran away.
As what she was told, Alyssa didn't say anything nor chase Laura. She was left staring into nothing.
After a few minutes she stood up then walked near the door. Just looking at the empty hallway.
"Sa huli, si Dennise nga talaga ang nagustuhan mo."
A woman suddenly said. The only one who witnessed how Alyssa and Laura's relationship ended, Mrs. De Guzman, the librarian. Who was also the only one in the library who witnessed who Alyssa had been the happiest with, Dennise.
Napatingin si Alyssa rito habang may namumuo ng luha sa mga mata niya. Another one just confirmed her feelings for her. She wasn't able to respond but she didn't have to, the librarian already knew the answer.
She was really good at fucking things up, ain't she?
Before UAAP Season 78, at the cemetery...
If you messed up a lot of times you'd probably learn from it, but seems like Alyssa never did.
There Alyssa was again, just watching Dennise walk out of her life again.
She's watching Dennise break in front of her eyes again.
Dennise continued walking away, struggling to stop her tears from falling as Alyssa walked on the other side of the road, keeping up to her pace. Making sure she didn't stumble or anything. It's the least she could do after breaking her heart for the nth time.
She already messaged Ella and was probably on her way.
Can't they just be happy together? No, 'cause Alyssa always fucked things up.
After a few more minutes, Ella finally arrived and rushed to Dennise asking dozens of questions. By the look on her face, she was worried as hell. How could she not? But she got nothing from Dennise so Ella just called a ride to take Dennise back home to her unit.
Alyssa saw it all until they were no longer in sight. A few seconds later, a car stopped in front of Alyssa. Nang binaba nito ang bintana ay nagulat si Alyssa nang makita ang tatay niyang si Ruel.
"Pa." sabi nito. Sinundan pala siya nito nang hindi niya alam.
Tumango lang ang ama sa kanya at sumakay na si Alyssa sa kotse.
"Sinabi ko na sa'yo 'nak, wala kang kasalanan." sabi ni Ruel pero hindi sumagot si Alyssa.
Mga ilang segundong nabalot ng katahimikan ang kotse. Hanggang sa nagsalita si Alyssa.
"I w-want to let her family know." mahinang sabi ni Alyssa nang hindi na pinansin ang sinabi ng ama.
Napatingin naman si Ruel sa anak, pero nakatingin lang 'to sa harapan.
Binalik ni Ruel ang tingin sa daan at nagmaneho na papuntang lumang bahay ng mga Lazaro.
Matapos ng ilang minutong tahimik na byahe mula sa sementeryo ay bumungad sa mag-ama ang malapad na ngiti ni Mike Lazaro, tatay ni Dennise. Ironically, lalong nagpabigat sa loob ni Alyssa.
Walang kamalay malay sa balitang dala nila na alam niyang magpapawala ng malapad na ngiti nito.
Pagkabungad ni Mike Lazaro kay Alyssa at Ruel ay agad niya silang pinapasok sa loob.
"Oh, napadalaw kayo?" masigla pang tanong nito. Hindi agad nakapagsalita ang mag-ama kaya naunahan sila ng nasa likod ni Mike.
"Ate 'Ly." pagtawag ni Justine na nandoon din. Nalaman nilang andito silang mag-ama habang si Mosh naman ay nasa bahay na nilipatan nila.
Hindi pa rin nakasagot si Alyssa kaya si Ruel ang bumasag ng katahimikan. Hinawakan niya sa balikat si Alyssa kaya napatingin ito sa ama.
"Ako na." sabi ni Ruel sa anak. May pagtutol sa tingin ni Alyssa pero hindi na 'to nagpumilit at tinuon ang pansin kay Justine.
"Jus." pagtawag ni Alyssa sa nakababatang kapatid ni Dennise. "C-can we talk?" tanong nito at naramdaman naman ni Jus ang iba sa tono ni Alyssa kaya inaya niya ito sa kwarto niya kung saan napagpasyahang ibalita ni Alyssa rito ang ibinalita niya kay Dennise kanina sa sementeryo.
Napagtanto ni Alyssa na hindi lang pala mukha ang nakuha ni Justine sa ina, kung 'di pati ang ugali nitong sobrang maintindihin.
Matapos masabi ni Alyssa ang lahat ng nangyari sa araw na namatay ang ina nila ay walang bahid ng galit ang nakita niya sa mukha ni Jus. Tanging lungkot at pag-unawa.
"Jus, you can't possibly not get mad after everything I've told you." hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Alyssa, matapos niyang maikwento ang bank robbery na nangyari ng araw na 'yon at kung paanong nawala ang ilaw ng tahanan ng pamilya Lazaro.
"Maybe because it's still not sinking in yet." simpleng sagot naman ni Justine.
Alyssa stared at Justine as she stared at nothingness.
They were silent for awhile then Justine broke it.
Justine looked at Alyssa. "Does she know?" she asked.
"I told her first." Alyssa answered. Suddenly the picture of Dennise breaking in front of her flashed back into her mind.
Then, tears fell from her eyes. She quickly wiped it. How could she cry first? Little did she know, she was hugging Justine.
"I'm sorry." Alyssa apologized, trying to resist a sob. She couldn't do any of these to Dennise, Alyssa couldn't comfort her because she hurt Dennise the most.
Justine held her shoulder. "I don't know what to say, maybe I need some time alone."
With that, Alyssa broke the hug. She looked at Justine again before leaving the room.
Alyssa wasn't sure which one made her feel more guilty, Dennise or Justine. They both reacted differently, but bottomline was, Alyssa wasn't feeling any better.
As she descended the stairs, she felt more down. Down and down, until she reached the last step of the stairs.
Then she realized which one made her feel more guilty. There she saw his dad, head bowed down and knees on the floor. Then Den's dad Mike in front of him.
In a flash, Alyssa's dad fell on the floor. Mike just punched the hell out of him.
Another response from a Lazaro, what she'd been expecting yet she was just left watching there.
Alyssa's grip on the stairs' handle, tightened. She froze to where she was standing.
Then more and more punches landed and Ruel was bleeding.
Hatred was written all over Mike's face.
Alyssa tried to get closer but Ruel, barely said "Don't." to his daughter.
As she watched her dad getting beaten up, she was stuck, thinking whether his dad deserve this or not.
And she thought no, but there was nothing she could do but watch.
-
Present Year, a week before the Wedding...
"Alyssa."
Sinilip ni Alyssa ulit sa screen ang name para sigurado. "Yes Doc AJ?"
"Deanna's here at the hospital."
And that was enough, after the call ended, Alyssa finally turned to Synjin.
"Yes, we're flying back to Philippines." Alyssa assured her manager and bestfriend.
Nakahinga naman nang maluwag si Synjin sa narinig. They're still in Japan dahil nagpaiwan si Alyssa. Nagpaiwan din si Synjin para siguraduhing uuwi talaga si Alyssa.
"Hay salamat! Kundi mapipilitan talaga 'kong daanin ka sa dahas." stressed na sabi ni Synjin. "Ano ba kasing pinagkakaabalahan mo at nagpaiwan ka pa?" tanong pa nito at lumapit pa sa table kung nasaan ang laptop ni Alyssa, nagbabakasakaling makita nito kung ano man 'yon. Good thing Alyssa already hid her flashdrive.
"Wala." Alyssa said. "Now go back to your room." pagtataboy niya kay Synjin pero umiling lang ito.
"Nah-uh." sabi ni Synjin at naglakad pabalik sa pintuan kung nasaan ang luggage niyang dala niya pala kanina pa pagpasok ng room ni Alyssa.
"What? We can't stay in the same hotel room." Alyssa said. "I'm still... a girl." she reasoned out, obviously just making excuses.
Synjin raised a brow. "Ha, 'wag mo nga' kong artehan, ang laki na ng gastos natin 'no tsaka mula naman noon ako lang ang lalaking nakakapasok sa locker room niyo kapag nagbibihis kayo." sabi naman ni Synjin at natawa na lang si Alyssa.
Napatigil naman sila parehas nang biglang mag-ring ang phone ni Synjin.
"Why is he calling?" takang tanong ni Synjin.
"Who's that?" Alyssa asked.
"Reporter from the Philippines." sagot naman ni Synjin at hinintay lang matapos 'yung call nang hindi ito sinasagot.
Nang matapos ang call ay agad nag-online si Synjin sa social media at nakita naman ni Alyssa na biglang nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Synjin at binasa ang headline ng isang article.
"Kiefer Ravena gusto ng ice cream, Mika Reyes gusto ng leche flan--- what-- ano ba' to!" stressed na sigaw ni Synjin at nagpipindot sa phone. Gusto mang matawa ni Alyssa ay hindi niya magawa, nakita niyang tinawagan ni Synjin si Kiefer. "You guys were the one who begged me not to accept any interviews until Gretch's wedding so all I asked from you was to keep lowkey. Now here's Kief with this stupid article." stressed pa ring sabi ni Synjin habang paulit ulit sinusubukang ma-contact si Kiefer na nasa Pinas na, probably eating ice cream.
"That made it to the news?" Alyssa asked, surprised.
"Kung hindi pa rin nagsi-sink in sa inyong sikat na kayo, please 'wag niyo nang pasakitin pa ulo ko." pakiusap pa ni Synjin. Nang sagutin na ni Kiefer ang tawag niya ay nawala na ang atensyon niya kay Alyssa. Poor guy, he just wanted some cold ice cream, not get scolded by his manager.
But Synjin's right, hindi pa nga rin siguro nagsi-sink na mas sikat na sila ngayong official band na ang Portmanteau kahit ilang taon na.
They had no idea either that they'd be able to play outside the country. Ni hindi nila akalaing matutupad nila ang pangarap nilang maging banda na ng walang hadlang.
The article wasn't even newsworthy but the fact that it hit the news, said a lot about how far they'd come.
A year after UAAP season 78...
"I got suspended."
When Kiefer told Thirdy, Gretchen, Jirah, and Alyssa that, they should have felt bad for him.
But when they saw Kiefer slowly forming a smile on his face, they got confused.
"I GOT SUSPENDED!" masayang sigaw pa ni Kiefer.
"Par we heard, pero ba't ang saya mo?" takang tanong ni Gretchen na halos mawalan na ng mata nang lalong maningkit pa ang mga nito.
Kiefer asked if they could meet them, Thirdy, Gretchen, Jirah, and Alyssa as he had something important to tell them. Though they had the idea it would be about what happened because it was all over the news. Kiefer just got banned by the PBA and FIBA for testing positive for illegal substance banned for athletes from a pre-workout drink he had before their game. He was suspended for 18 months.
"It's a blessing in disguise, I wanted to quit so bad." tuwang tuwang sabi ni Kiefer. "Then this happened, thank God this happened." he even threw his fist in the air.
"Quit what? Bro calm down, you're so hyped, are you still--" Thirdy said then held his brother's arms.
"Hey! That's insulting." Kiefer cut him off and shoved his arms.
"Kuya please, just explain it to us clearly." sabi naman ni Jirah. Si Alyssa naman ay hindi pa rin nagsasalita at nakikinig lang sa mga 'to.
"What, you don't believe me? You really think I do illegal stuff?" 'di makapaniwalang tanong ni Kiefer. "Gaya ng sabi ko sa press con, it was an honest mistake it was over the counter so I had no idea it was illegal here. I saw the NBA players drink it back when I was still a developmental player in US." dugtong pa niya. "Tsaka isa pa hindi naman 'to mangyayari in the first place kung hindi ako pinatapon ni Dad sa US." mapait na sabi pa ni Kiefer. After Bong Ravena sent Kiefer to US for basketball, Kiefer went back home for basketball again.
"Hey, we believe you." Gretchen calmed Kiefer down and assured him. "We just don't get how you're so pumped up about it." sagot naman ni Gretchen. "'Wag mong isiping blessing in disguise 'to. Ayaw mo na palang maglaro, 'di sana nag-quit---" Gretchen quickly stopped herself when she realized what she was about to say.
"See?" sabi naman ni Kiefer. "Para namang may magagawa ako." tila hopeless na sabi ni Kiefer.
Natahimik naman silang lahat dahil alam naman nilang hanggang ngayon ay hindi basta basta makakawala sa sports ang mga Ravena nang hindi aprubado ng tatay nilang si Bong.
Huminga nang malalim si Kiefer bago nagsalitang muli.
"That's why I'm so happy this happened." nagsalita ulit si Kiefer. "He can't force me now can he?" he asked with a smirk.
Ngumisi rin si Thirdy, helped lighten up the mood. "Tops my failed-grade-strategy in UAAP." natatawang sabi naman ni Thirdy at tumawa silang magkapatid at nag-appear pa sila.
"So what are you gonna do now?" Jirah asked. Kiefer once again flash a huge smile.
"That's why I wanted to meet you all." Kiefer said then looked at every one of them. "What am I gonna do now?" he repeated the question. "Music." he said in one word. "Let's bring back Portmanteau again."
Again silence filled the air.
None of them had heard this for a long time now.
Now they're hearing it again from the one who had been punched in the face for pursuing it, Kiefer.
Still, no response.
Then they turned to look at the first one who reacted, the least one they'd expect to react this way. Alyssa.
And her response was, laugh.
When was the last time they heard her laugh? No one remembered.
Alyssa couldn't remember either but here she was, laughing like she never did before.
A year ago...
"WHAT'S NEXT FOR ALYSSA VALDEZ"
"ALYSSA VALDEZ ENDS CONTRACT WITH THE THAILAND TEAM"
"ALYSSA VALDEZ IS BACK IN THE PHILIPPINES"
"Salamat naman 'nak at naisipan mo nang manatili dito sa Pinas." masayang sabi ng tatay niyang si Ruel habang nagmamaneho. Sinundo niya si Alyssa sa airport, kauuwi lang galing Thailand.
Sinilip ni Ruel si Alyssa pero hindi ito sumagot, ni hindi nakatingin sa kanya. Nakatutok ang tingin ni Alyssa sa phone niya.
"DENDEN LAZARO SAYS SHE'S GOING BACK TO MED SCHOOL"
There. Of all the articles written about her, Alyssa's more interested with this one. Not that Alyssa knew what she would do now, but this made her want to go back home.
She hadn't seen Dennise on the news for a year so it was probably reasonable that she couldn't stop staring at her photo attached in the article. Dennise was smiling, how Alyssa missed that smile.
"WELCOME HOME!" bungad ng pamilyang Valdez kay Alyssa, sinuklian niya ito ng tipid na ngiti.
Nariyan ang konting dekorasyon at handaan para sa pagbabalik ni Alyssa pero bakas sa mukha nito ang lungkot kahit na nakangiti ito.
"Pagod pa si Ineng galing biyahe, pagpahingahin muna natin." sabi ni Ruel na ramdang gusto munang mapag-isa ni Alyssa ngunit hindi lang nito masabi. Sumang-ayon naman ang lahat at hinayaan na si Alyssa.
Alyssa headed towards her room. Every step she took felt heavy. Playing for Thailand had been her escape for a year but that didn't prepare her enough to come back home.
Nang mabalitaan niyang nagdesisyon na si Dennise na bumalik sa med school, hindi niya mapigilang matuwa. It led to a rush decision of flying back to the Philippines as soon as possible. But what for? Alyssa had no idea, it's not like she was ready to face Dennise now, or if she would ever be.
Nang tuluyan nang makaakyat si Alyssa ay binuksan na niya ang pinto sa kwarto niya.
Then she froze to where she was standing. On her bed was the guitar her mom gave her. That guitar.
Alyssa gripped the knob tighter as she tried to control her emotions.
"Nang nilabas ko 'yan sa ilalim ng kama mo, sobrang maalikabok na." bigla na lang may nagsalita sa likod niya, ang tatay niyang si Ruel na sinundan pala siya. Hindi na yon nakapagtataka dahil ilang taon na nang tinigil ni Alyssa tugtugin' to. Pero 'di gaya noon, mukha ng bago ulit ang gitara niya. "Hindi mo man lang inaalagaan ang regalo ng mama mo." dugtong pa nito.
Alyssa felt a sting in her chest. She couldn't look at her dad. Her initial thought was her dad was mad at her too. Until Ruel held her daughter's shoulder. Alyssa felt relaxed at the warmth of his dad's hand.
"Ba't 'di ka pumasok?" kalmadong tanong ng tatay niya.
Dahan dahan namang naglakad palapit sa kama si Alyssa habang nakatitig lang sa gitara niya. Mas naaninag ni Alyssa ang pagkakupas ng itsura nito dahil na rin sa kalumaan.
"Pa." mahinang sabi ni Alyssa.
"Alam mo kung bakit ilang taon niyong hindi nakita si Jane matapos mawala ng mama niyo?" tukoy ni Ruel kay Auntie Jane. Hindi na nito hinintay sumagot ang anak at nagpatuloy lang sa pagsasalita. "Dahil pinagtabuyan ko siya, sinabihan ko siyang 'wag nang magpapakita sa'tin kahit kailan."
Nagulat naman si Alyssa sa narinig at napatingin sa tatay niya. This was the third time they talked about what happened. First was at the cemetery when she finally saw her Auntie Jane after years, second time was when they visited the Lazaros last year after Dennise left her for good. And now, a year after those two.
"Nang mawala ang mama niyo, halos puro galit lang ang naramdaman ko. Dahil alam kong ginawa ko naman ang lahat para mabuhay pa siya." pagtuloy ni Ruel. "Masyado akong nabulag sa kagustuhan kong gawin ang lahat kaya naging sarado na ang isip ko sa ibang bagay. Masyado kong tinuon ang pansin ko sa mga paraang pwede ko pang magawa na hindi ko na naisip ang nasa paligid ko. Kagaya ng nangyari sa nanay ni Dennise..."
Dahil doon ay tuluyan nang bumagsak ang luhang kanina pa pinipigilan ni Alyssa.
"Na kahit asawa kong nagmamakaawa nang pakawalan ko siya dahil hindi na niya kaya, ay hindi ko na pinansin dahil gusto ko pa siyang makasama nang matagal." pag-amin pa nito. "Kaya nang tuluyan na siyang nawala, malaki ang naging galit ko nang aminin ng Auntie Jane mo na alam niya kung saan napunta ang pera. Siya ang sinisi ko sa nangyari." pag-amin nito. "Pero huli na nang mapagtanto kong 'yung mga ginawa kong akala ko mas makakabuti para sa'ting lahat ay puro makasariling desisyon ko lang pala." tumingin siya kay Alyssa. "Mas lalo pang maraming buhay ang nasayang dahil hindi ako nakinig sa mga taong nasa paligid ko, sa asawa ko. Maganda talaga na gawin ang lahat ng makakaya natin pero dapat din nating malaman kung kailan tayo dapat tumigil na."
"P-pa, I'm s-sorry..." was all Alyssa could say, she felt the regret and pain in his dad's voice.
Muling hinawakan ni Ruel sa balikat si Alyssa at tinignan ng puno ng sinseridad.
"Anak, alam kong sa inyong magkakapatid ikaw ang pinakamahihirapan dahil namana mo sa mama mo ang pagsasarili ng problema. Pero matuto ka sana sa nangyari sa'kin, sinisi ko ang iba kahit na ako ang may kasalanan, habang sinisisi mo naman ang sarili mo kahit wala ka namang ginagawang masama. Masakit para sa'kin ang nangyari kaya ayokong maramdaman niyo rin 'to. May dahilan kaya binigay niya 'to para sa'yo. 'Wag kang tumulad sa'kin na hindi nakinig. Makinig ka sa iba, lalo na sa mama mo. Alam niyang mas may mahahantungan kung ilaan na lang ang pera para sa inyo kaysa sa kanya." It was painful to hear for Alyssa but hearing her dad talked about it made her realize what more to her dad who had to endure it for years. "Naniniwala siya sa'yo anak, pati na rin kaming buong pamilya mo kaya 'wag mo sanang hayaang maalikabukan na lang sa ilalim ng kama ang huling habilin sa'yo ng mama mo."
Alyssa looked down, she couldn't look at her dad again. Big tears kept streaming down her eyes.
"Alam kong mahirap pero alam mo kung ano ang gusto ng mama mo at hindi 'yun ang ginagawa mo ngayon."
Last year, she just stood frozen watching her dad get beaten up by Dennise's dad, but now, it was still hard to accept but she can't just do nothing again.
-
"W-what?" everyone asked in confusion.
Gulat lang silang nakatingin kay Alyssa hanggang sa nahimasmasan na ito at nagsalita.
"It's really not easy to turn our backs from what we love isn't it?" she asked. Then she flashed them a smile, they hadn't seen that for years also. "Good thing this happened... I'm in."
Unti unti namang napangiti sina Jirah, Kiefer, at Thirdy.
"Yes!" sigaw ni Kiefer.
Si Gretchen naman ay gulat pa rin ang reaksyon. "You're the least person I'd expect to agree with Kiefer that this was a blessing in disguise." 'di makapaniwalang sabi nito. "You're no saint no more."
Natawa naman sila.
"Pa'no? Sama ba lahat?" tanong ni Kiefer.
"I never really stopped my music. So yes." sagot naman ni Jirah na suki sa mga gigs.
"I'm in." sagot din ni Thirdy. "Para hindi na lang ikaw ang masasapak ulit ni Dad this time." dugtong pa niya at natawa ulit sila.
"Oh ikaw Par?" tanong naman ni Kiefer kay Gretch na hindi pa rin sumasagot. Tinignan naman nilang apat si Gretchen.
"Seryoso ba 'to?" tanong niya. "Look, we're not kids anymore, I already have a job I can't just let go." paliwanag naman niya. Tuluyan nang naging host si Gretchen sa TV matapos maka-graduate.
"It's fine." sabi naman ni Kiefer nang nakangiti pa rin. "You have 18 months as your transition year." dugtong pa nito at kumindat.
"Siraulo!"
"For Portmanteau." sabi ni Kiefer at nilahad ang kamay niya, agad naman nag-iiling 'yung iba.
"Pass."
"Not that please."
Natawa naman si Kiefer, dahil nung huli nga pala niyang sinabi 'yun ay sinapak siya ng tatay niya.
"Yeah, just play, no expectations." sabi na lang ni Kiefer.
"I'm cool with that." sagot naman ni Gretchen. "No expectations."
"No expectations!" they shouted in chorus.
So yeah, there were no expectations.
Gaya ng napag-usapan ay muli nilang binuhay ang Portmanteau. Muli silang nagsimulang mag-rent sa Brent's studio kung saan sila laging tumutugtog noong highschool at tumutugtog nang sila lang ang nakakaalam. It really helped get their passions back.
Kiefer used golf as a front to hide the fact that he's back to music from his dad. He would update pictures of him playing golf on his social media accounts but that's just for photo ops. He played with Miguel de Guzman too, but really, they were just talking about music.
Everyone really enjoyed it and it was evident in their faces. Behind the studio's doors, they felt free.
Alyssa never came back to volleyball, she became lowkey as she had always been. She kept herself busy with hospital visits, specifically, the cancer ward, and with Portmanteau.
It continued without Bong finding out about it. They kept playing in secret for months until Thirdy suggested something.
"It's my last year in UAAP." Thirdy said. "Let's play in Bonfire."
"What, you mean Ateneo's Bonfire?" Kiefer asked.
"Hell yeah." Thirdy said with a big smile.
"So you mean in public?" Gretchen asked.
"Yes." Thirdy confirmed again.
"I'm in." Alyssa quickly said then they all looked at her in surprise again.
"Woah wait I know how fearless you've been this year, but I'm not, so," Kiefer said so they looked at him. "Oh shit, I sounded really scared there huh?"
They all chuckled.
"Fine, count me in too." Kiefer said. "Tell me dad's not coming." he hoped. Thirdy smiled even wider.
"He is."
"Even better." Kiefer said sarcastically.
"Maybe he won't punch anyone in public this time?" Gretchen wondered, not everyone's sure tho.
"Just in case," Thirdy said. "If we saw him making his way towards us, the stage is huge, we'd have time to run away." he said, apparently had thought about it 'thoroughly' before suggesting it to the others.
Then, they just laughed their asses off. Again, they agreed to play. No expectations.
The annual Ateneo Bonfire came and the five of them were just nervous for the whole day. The Ravena brothers kept on joking to lighten up the mood. Kiefer said he spent more time practicing how to dodge a punch than the song they were going to perform, while Thirdy joked about how he readied the outfits he'd wear in the US.
The night came and the campus was crowded. There were the atenistas as well as the outsiders, fans of the Ateneo team.
"The organizers said we'll perform after congratulating the basketball team." Thirdy rushed to the four of them to update them then rushed back to the stage where the rest of his teammates were already there.
Despite not wanting to play the sport, Thirdy still won the MVP award and the Blue Eagles were UAAP Champions too. Thirdy told them he tried hard to get that MVP award and championship hoping their father would be content with it but again they just laughed it off.
"Which player is the most stubborn?" the host asked Coach Tab then the crowd started chanting Thirdy's name. They joined the crowd with Kiefer shouting the loudest. Coach Tab eventually said Thirdy then the program continued.
A little later they were finally called to get ready for the performance.
"Will she come?" Alyssa asked rhetorically as she looked for someone in the crowd. Thanks to that article she read, Alyssa knew she decided to take med here.
"Who?" tanong ni Kiefer pero wala naman siyang nakuhang sagot kay Alyssa. On the other hand, Gretchen looked at her friend with sadness knowing who Alyssa was talking about. Dennise.
"Now, who would have thought that Thirdy has a band even way back in highschool? And you'll see them perform here for the first time!" the host said. The crowd's cheer went louder.
"And take note, these are star-studded athletes, unahin na natin, Thirdy Ravena from Blue Eagles Basketball team, Kiefer Ravena another basketball champion, Gretchen Ho from Fab 5, Jirah Llaneta and Alyssa Valdez from the historic first championship of women's volleyball team!" the other host introduced them and the crowd went wilder.
That introduction made them nervous, they were proud, but still nervous as hell.
"Damn, I'm the only one with no championship." Gretchen joked which made them laugh nervously.
"Let's all welcome, Portmanteau!" the host shouted again.
They went up to the stage, the crowd was bigger than what they had before and they were louder too.
They already expected to be known for sports than their music but the whole band had always hoped they'd be known as Portmanteau too and not as the Ateneo star players. Tonight was their chance to prove that to the crowd.
Portmanteau decided to perform covers and not their own songs this time, just trying to be cautious. They knew the Ravena's dad would be here but they hadn't seen him yet. Good thing.
But as the night progressed, they finally let themselves be themselves. They enjoyed. The crowd enjoyed. The worry of Bong Ravena suddenly punching one of them had left.
Unexpectedly, they had the best night as a band so far.
-
Of course it went viral.
The video of them performing and other stuff about the Portmanteau had been the talk of the town, or atleast in the sports community. Most were surprised to know they were into music and not just a band, but a talented band. It became the highlight of the Bonfire last night.
They were bombarded as soon as they got off the stage. Even after they went home, they had been receiving messages about last night. They'd been even tapped for interviews but Portmanteau hadn't responded to any of them yet.
Alyssa, Gretchen, Kiefer, Thirdy, and Jirah, were still overwhelmed. It still hadn't sunk in to them yet.
The five of them decided to rent a studio again for another random jam but only ended up trying to absorb what happened.
"That's crazy." Thirdy said in awe as they all just slumped on the floor not able to play any instrument.
"Look," Jirah said then showed them her phone where she played the video of their performance last night as the crowd sang along with them. "We really had fun there."
"It felt surreal." 'di makapaniwalang sabi naman ni Kiefer.
"Na-miss kong humampas." sabi naman ni Gretchen na bigay todo rin sa paghampas ng drums kagabi.
"While we're tuning guitars." sabi naman ni Alyssa at natawa sila.
"I miss asking the crowd kung sinong brokenhearted." sabi naman ulit ni Kiefer at patuloy lang sila sa pagtatawanan at pagkukwentuhan sa mga nangyari kagabi.
And as they called it, it was the calm before the storm.
Isang malaking kalabog ng pinto ang narinig nila. Lahat sila ay napatingin sa pintuan. Bumungad sa kanila ang kahapon pa nila inaasahan pero hindi rin nila gustong dumating.
"D-dad." kabadong sabi ni Kiefer at tila nanigas na sa kinauupuan niya. It was Bong Ravena. Nakakunot ang noo nito at nilibot ang mata sa paligid.
"Dito pala 'yon." kalmadong sabi ni Bong. Seemed like even the rumor about where the studio they were renting was, spread in social media too. They had no idea how but too bad it was Kiefer and Thirdy's dad who got there first.
Walang nagsalita kaya tinignan sila ni Bong isa isa. Bakas ang pag-aalala sa mukha nilang lahat.
"Mukhang masaya kayo kagabi ah." sabi nito pero wala pa ring nagsasalita. "Pero huli naman na 'yon 'di ba?" seryosong tanong nito pero may halong pagbabanta.
Again, walang nagsalita kaya nagsalita ulit si Bong. "Ha?" he asked in a louder voice.
Gretchen was tapping her fingers on her legs, Jirah looked at the Ravena brothers, Thirdy was looking down, while Kiefer looked scared as hell, probably ready to get punched again.
"No." Alyssa said in a low voice but the room was so silent everyone heard it clearly.
Like how they'd been these past months, they were surprised by Alyssa again. Even Bong, who had his forehead creased.
"Ano?" tanong niya kay Alyssa na parang namali siya ng narinig.
Alyssa slowly stood up and everyone just watched her.
"I'm tired." Alyssa spoke again then she looked at Bong straight into his eyes. "I'm tired of stopping myself from doing what I love because of the guilt I feel." she continued.
The rest of her bandmates were still stunned. They never heard Alyssa spoke like this before. But her expression seemed like she won't take any more bullshit.
Bong snorted. "Gaya nga ng sabi ko sa'yo, kung gusto mong ipagpatuloy 'yang pagba-banda mo walang problema basta 'wag mong idamay ang mga anak ko."
They thought Alyssa wouldn't answer back but if they could get any more surprised, they did.
"Your sons too," Alyssa spoke again. "They're tired of you dictating how and what they should be and not be able to enjoy their life."
Everyone's eyes grew wide. Alyssa had always been the 'neutral' one kind of a person. She always tried to see the best in people. When it comes to conflict, she always tried her best to understand both sides, to aim for peace as much as she could even if it meant avoiding confronting it. But it seemed like, not today.
"What did you just say?" Bong asked again then faced Alyssa who didn't even blink at all while the rest of them just looked at them stunned.
"You heard it... Sir." Alyssa said with emphasis on the last word and that was it for Bong Ravena.
He didn't expect someone would disrespect him like that and it was Alyssa of all people. Like everyone expected, Bong made her way towards Alyssa.
But the impact the silent ones make when they finally used their voice, when they finally stood up could weigh more than the vocal ones. It could say a lot about the degree of the situation because it forced them to finally speak.
It could give courage to the coward.
Before Bong knew it, Kiefer was already in front of him, his hand on his dad's chest to stop him to whatever he was supposed to do. Kiefer slightly shoved his dad away.
"Do you seriously want to hurt her too?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Kiefer sa ama. There was pain in his tone when he realized his dad would probably do that just to keep his authority over them.
Tinignan ni Bong ang anak.
"No one will disrespect me like that again!" Bong yelled and pointed his finger at his son.
"Dad, just stop!" Kiefer begged in exhaustion. "I know you failed as a basketball player but stop forcing your dreams to us!" Kiefer finally talked. Nagpantig naman lalo ang tenga ng ama niya. Habang sila Thirdy, Jirah, at Gretchen naman ay nakatayo na rin sa likod. "I don't hate basketball but what we want to pursue is music."
Lalo namang hindi na maipinta ang mukha ni Bong.
"Anong pinagmamalaki mo? Sumasagot ka na ng ganyan? Ha?!" sunod sunod na tanong Bong pero hindi na nagpatinag si Kiefer.
"May problema po ba rito?" biglang may nagsalita at ng makita nila ang may-ari ng studio na si kuya Brent. Soundproof ang bawat room pero dahil sumugod si Bong ay naiwan lang na nakabukas ang pinto. Dahil dito ay rinig ang pagsigaw nito sa labas.
"Kuya Brent." si Thirdy na ang nagsalita at tinuro ang tatay nila kay Brent gamit ang tingin.
"Sir..." pagtawag ng may-ari kay Bong pero hindi na 'to nagsalita at dire-diretsong lumabas na ng room at ng studio. Bong may have failed to build his own reputation when he was young, but his ego wouldn't let him have a 'bad' one so he didn't cause any more scene.
Kinausap naman ni Thirdy ang may-ari at humingi ng pasensya habang tahimik pa rin ang lahat. Nang lumabas na 'to ay muling sinara ni Thirdy ang pinto.
Pero gan'on pa rin, tahimik pa rin ang lahat. Pilit iniisip kung anong nangyari, parang sobrang bilis na hindi na sila makapagsalita.
Pwera nga lang sa isa.
"That felt good."
Alyssa said with a huge smile on her face. None of them was sure what had been going on with Alyssa but they all felt at ease. They all felt really good.
Kiefer took a deep breath to calm himself down then looked at Alyssa.
"Shut up and bring Alyssa back." sarkastikong sabi ni Kiefer.
"Is this Manong speaking?" banat naman ni Jirah kay Kiefer. They were surprised and proud of Kiefer especially with Alyssa for finally standing up against the Ravena's father.
"What does that mean, are we finally free? O need niyo ng matutulugan tonight?" naguguluhang tanong naman ni Gretchen.
"Tara overnight ulit kila Kim." sabi naman ni Kiefer.
"Malayo pa ulit birthday niya."
"Damn, my mind's still at the bonfire." sabi naman ni Thirdy at tuluyan na nga silang natawa lahat.
Bigla namang nag-ring ang phone ni Kiefer kaya sinagot niya ito. Nakalimutan niyang hindi nga pala sila sumasagot sa kahit kanino ngayong araw. Pero huli na.
"Hello." nakangiting sabi pa ni Kiefer.
"Finally! Is this Kiefer Ravena of Portmanteau?"
Napatakip si Kiefer ng bibig nang mapagtanto niyang sinagot pala niya ang tawag.
Pinindot niya ang loud speaker para marinig din ng iba.
"Who's this?" tanong ni Kiefer at lahat naman sila ay bahagyang lumapit sa phone para mas marinig.
"Oh sorry my bad, I'm Rico." pakilala nito. "Rico Blanco."
Sabay sabay nanlaki ang mga mata nila at tinignan ang isa't isa. Hindi na nakasagot pa si Kiefer kaya nagsalita ulit ang nasa phone.
"I was at Bonfire last night and was able to watch your band's performance, I'm completely surprised with your talent! Malaki ang potential niyo!" puri nito pero hindi pa rin makasagot si Kiefer dahil gulat pa rin silang lahat. "I just wanna ask if you guys could come by to studio to play some, kasi sa tingin ko deserve niyong magkaro'n ng connections sa music industry kung itutuloy niyo pagbabanda niyo."
"YES." agad na sagot ni Kiefer.
Nagulat naman ang kausap nito pero nagpatuloy ang pag-uusap nila. Binigay na rin ni Rico ang mga detalye kung saan, at kung anong kailangan ng Portmanteau gawin.
Nang matapos ang tawag.
"What the f---" sabi ni Gretchen at sumigaw sa tuwa. "Rico?" sabi pa nito na hindi pa rin makapaniwala.
"Bro, tawagin mo si Dad, I need his punch right now. Am I dreaming?" sabi naman ni Kiefer at tumawa sila, hindi pa rin makapaniwala.
"Let's stop wasting time, we might get offered gigs any time soon." sabi naman ni Alyssa at sinuot na ang strap ng electric guitar.
They all grinned like crazy at what she said then readied their instruments too.
Alyssa's face went serious then she looked at her bandmates. "Practice na." she said.
How they missed their strict leader.
"Meron na ba?"
"Wala pa, wala pa." sabi ni Kiefer at nilapag na ulit ang phone niya sa tabi niya. Kahit ang tapang na nila kanina, napagpasyahan na lang nila Kiefer at Thirdy makitulog muna kila Alyssa sa takot umuwi sa bahay nila.
Nasa sahig nakapwesto ang dalawa habang mag-isa naman sa kama si Alyssa, nakihiram na lang din muna ng damit ang magkapatid sa mga lalaking kapatid ni Alyssa.
Kanina pa sila hindi mapakali na baka tumawag ang tatay nila o kung ano mang balita tungkol sa nangyari kanina kaya panay ang check ni Kiefer sa phone niya.
"Ba't ba sa phone ko? Buksan mo na rin 'yung iyo!" reklamo naman ni Kiefer kay Thirdy na tinawanan lang siya.
"Para sa isa lang tayo naka-focus." pagdadahilan naman ni Thirdy.
Bigla namang tumunog ulit ang phone ni Kiefer kaya dali dali niya itong tinignan.
"Ibang number na naman." sabi naman ni Kiefer. "Baka mamaya si Ely Buendia na 'to ah." natawa naman sila.
"Matulog na kaya kayo." reklamo naman ng nakahiga ng si Alyssa dahil ang ingay ng magkapatid.
"Oo nga bukas na lang natin problemahin." sabi naman ni Thirdy at nagtalukbong pa agad ng kumot.
"Fine fine fi---" sabi ni Kiefer pero naudlot nang tumunog ulit ang phone. "Si Mom!"sabi nito at napaupo nang makitang tumatawag si Mozzy sa kanya.
Napabangon naman sila Thirdy at Alyssa at sinilip si Kiefer.
"Bakit siya ang tumawag?" kabadong tanong ni Kiefer at inabot kay Thirdy ang phone niya. "Huy ikaw nga sumagot, anak ka rin naman!" Thirdy just waved his hands.
"Sa'yo tumawag eh." sabi naman ni Thirdy.
"Tsk!"
Napahinga naman nang malalim si Kiefer bago sagutin ang tawag.
Pinindot niya rin ang loudspeaker para marinig ng lahat.
"Hello Manong? Asan na kayo, bakit hindi pa kayo umuuwi, kasama mo ba si Thirdy?" sunod-sunod at alalang tanong ni Mozzy sa anak.
Napatingin naman si Kiefer kay Thirdy at Alyssa na parang nanghihingi ng tulong kung anong sasabihin. Hindi nila alam kung alam na ba nito ang nangyaring komprontasyon sa kanila ni Bong kanina.
"A-ah Mom, nakitulog muna kami kasi may lakad kami bukas." sabi naman ni Kiefer.
Imbis na tanungin kung saan ay iba ang concern ng ina nito.
"Oh eh bakit hindi kayo nagsasabi?" sermon ni Mozzy kay Kiefer. Napakamot naman si Kiefer sa sentido.
"Sorry Mom, biglaan kasi."
"Pwede bang dumaan muna kayo dito bukas bago kayo pumunta sa lakad niyo?" tanong naman nito na nagpakaba sa dalawang Ravena.
Nagkatinginan ulit silang tatlo.
"Ano?!" tanong ni Kiefer sa dalawa nang walang boses para hindi marinig ni Mozzy. Marahas namang umiling si Thirdy at nagkibit balikat lang si Alyssa. Napatango naman si Kiefer.
"Sige Mom." sagot ni Kiefer at agad napatakip ng bibig. "Ayt."
"Osige matulog na kayo." paalam ni Mozzy at natapos na ang tawag.
"Ba't ka umoo?" tanong ni Thirdy at binatukan ang kuya niya.
Nakarinig naman sila ng katok sa pinto kaya napatingin silang tatlo dito.
Tumayo naman si Alyssa at siya na ang nagbukas ng pinto dahil nag-aaway pa 'yung magkapatid.
"Ba't ang tagal? Kanina pa kami kumakatok." bungad na reklamo ni Gretchen at dire-diretsong pumasok sa loob.
"Oh ba't kayo nandito?" tanong naman ni Alyssa kay Gretchen at kay Jirah na kasama nito. Pumasok na rin si Jirah.
"Pa-overnight din." sagot naman ni Gretchen. "Sinama ko na rin si Baby Ji para complete band na." sabi naman nito.
"Oy pinaalam mo ba 'yan?" tanong naman ni Kiefer. Mukhang tapos na silang magbatukang magkapatid.
"Legal age na'ko Manong." sagot naman ni Jirah.
"Kayo lang naman hindi nagpaalam." pang-aasar ni Gretchen at nginisian pa 'yung dalawa.
"Ba't ba kayo nandito ha ni hindi man lang kayo nagpaalam sa may-ari?" tanong naman ni Thirdy. Si Alyssa naman ay humanap ng extra higaan nilang tatlo.
"Sa sahig na lang tayo lahat." sabi naman ni Alyssa habang inaayos ang hihigaan nila sa lapag. Tutal hindi naman sila kasya sa kama para na rin fair. Tsaka wala namang ibang pinapatulog si Alyssa sa kama niya bukod sa kanya at kay Dennise.
"Siyempre 'no? Despidida niyo 'to eh, baka bukas sa Russia ka naman ipatapon ng tatay mo Par, kasama na si Thirdy." pang-aasar ulit ni Gretchen at pinaghahampas naman siya ng unan ng mga Ravena.
Hindi naman alam nila Kiefer at Thirdy ang sasabihin.
Nakarating na sila sa bahay nila kinaumagahan at nakita ang nanay na si Mozzy na nasa dining area nila habang nasa dulo naman ng dining table si Bong nakaupo pero hindi nakatingin sa kanila.
"Oh 'buti nakarating kayo." sabi naman ni Mozzy. "Kumain na ba kayo?" tanong nito at nakita naman ng magkapatid na ang daming nakahaing breakfast sa lamesa nila.
"Tapos na Mom." sagot naman ni Thirdy.
"Sa'n nga pala kayo pupunta?" tanong na lang ni Mozzy sa mga nakatayo pa ring mga anak niya.
Napatingin si Kiefer kay Thirdy tapos sa tatay niyang nasa dulo pa rin ng lamesa, hindi sila pinapansin. Hindi sila siguradong magkapatid kung alam na ni Mozzy ang nangyari sa kanila kahapon sa studio. Hindi rin naman nila matatanong sa ama lalo na't alam nilang galit pa rin ito.
Muling tinignan ni Kiefer ang ina saka sumagot.
"Kay Sir Rico Blanco Mom." sagot ni Kiefer na may halong pagmamalaki at the same time kaba. "He invited us to come by to his studio."
Tinignan lang muna siya ni Mozzy habang nakita naman ni Kiefer sa peripheral vision niyang ni hindi inangat ng tatay niya ang ulo para tignan sila.
Pero nagulat silang dalawa nang makitang ngumiti si Mozzy.
"Oh? Ayos 'yun 'nak ah. Oh siya sige na, baka mahuli pa kayo sa lakad niyo." tuwang sabi nito saka tumayo.
Bahagya namang nanlaki pa rin ang mga mata ni Kiefer at Thirdy at nagkatinginan sila.
"Seryoso Mom?" gulat na tanong ni Kiefer at natawa na lang si Mozzy.
Napatingin naman si Kiefer sa tatay niya ulit pero wala pa rin 'tong imik.
Napakuha naman si Kiefer ng hotdog na nasa lamesa saka kumagat dito at muling tinignan ang mga magulang niya.
Pasimple naman siyang hinampas ni Thirdy sa likod at pinandilatan.
Nagmadaling ubusin ni Kiefer 'yung hotdog saka sila naglakad nang mabilis paalis bago pa magbago ang isip ng mga magulang nila.
"Bye." sabi nalang ng Ravena brothers at tuluyan nang umalis sa kanila.
At simula ng oras na 'yon hanggang matapos ang araw ay umayon sa kanila ang mga nangyayari.
Pumunta nga silang lima sa studio ni Rico Blanco at tinugtugan ito para masipat nito nang mas mabuti ang talentong mayroon sila.
Hindi pa rin sila makapaniwala pero tuwang tuwa ito sa kanila at maraming pinakilala sa kanilang taga-music industry din.
Simula ng araw na 'yon ay mas lalong dumami ang opportunities na in-offer sa kanila at hindi nila inaakala lalo na't ngayon lang nila pinaalam sa nakararami na tumutugtog talaga sila.
Portmanteau's career skyrocketed since that day.
-
Present year...
It's been two days. Dalawang araw na ang nakalipas nang sabihin ni Deanna na gusto niya munang pag-isipan kung sasailalim ba siya sa surgery o hindi.
Nababagabag naman si Dennise dahil hindi na nagparamdam ulit si Deanna, hindi na rin ito 'naliligaw' sa cancer ward.
"Still not here." sabi ni Dennise sa sarili nang 'di makita sa paligid ang pasyente niya dapat.
Desisyon naman iyon ni Deanna kung gusto niya o hindi, hindi pwedeng mangielam si Dennise dito pero hindi pa rin mawala sa isip niya.
Hanggang sa matapos na ang shift niya sa oras na 'yon ay walang nagpakitang Deanna sa kanya.
At ang unang pumasok sa isip niya? Si Doctor AJ.
Dumiretso si Dennise sa office ni Doc AJ at nakitang nakaupo lang 'to sa swivel chair nito at naglalaro ng Pokémon sa Nintendo Switch, ang paborito nitong laro at past time. Mukhang tapos na rin ang shift nito.
Walang paligoy-ligoy ay nagtanong na agad si Dennise.
"Where's Deanna Doc?" tanong ni Dennise kay Doc AJ na nakatutok pa rin sa screen at napakunot lang ang noo.
"Oh, ba't ikaw na nagtatanong sa'kin?" tanong ni Doc AJ nang hindi nakatingin sa kanya.
"She didn't show up today, and you didn't look for her." sabi naman ni Dennise.
Natawa naman si Doc AJ. "Hindi ko na siya hinanap sa'yo kasi baka magalit ka na talaga and no, I don't know where she is." sagot naman ni Doc AJ nang makatutok pa rin sa nilalaro nito.
Napatingin na lang si Dennise sa kanya, hindi kampante sa sagot nito. Madali na minsan para kay Dennise na malaman kung may nagsisinungaling sa kanya, pero sa tingin niya ay nagsasabi naman ng totoo ang kapwa doktor.
"Hmm, okay. I'll go ahead." nag-aalangang paalam ni Dennise.
"Told you she's a headache." sabi naman ni Doctor AJ.
"I don't think she is," sabi naman ni Dennise at napaharap ulit kay Doctor AJ, bigla siyang may naalala. "wait, what did you do to her?"
"Doc, ano na namang bintang 'yan?" natatawang tanong ni Doc AJ.
"Bakit siya galit sa'yo Doc, ano bang ginawa mo sa kanya dati?" sunod sunod na tanong ni Dennise dahil nababagabag na talaga siya.
"She said she hates me?" gulat na tanong ni Doc AJ at tumingin na kay Dennise. Hininto na nito ang paglalaro dahil napukaw na ng tanong ni Dennise ang atensyon niya.
"Uhm, no. But why would she hide from you?" Dennise asked again.
Natawa muli si Doctor AJ. He stretched his arms and pointed at the chair across him, inviting Dennise to sit.
"Fine, I'll tell you." sabi nito. Nag-alangan naman si Dennise pero naglakad na siya palapit.
Hindi na siya sumagot at umupo na lang din.
Nang makaupo na siya ay nagsimula nang magkwento si Doctor AJ.
"When I was still an intern..." panimula ni Doctor AJ.
-
Doctor AJ's internship days...
Patuloy lang sa pagtakbo ang intern na si Doc AJ habang tumitingin sa paligid. Pilit niyang hinahanap ang pasyenteng nakatoka sa kanya na tumakbo na naman.
Nagalit ito sa kanya dahil sinabi ni Doc AJ sa mga magulang nito na kinakailangan niyang mag-undergo sa mastectomy dahil may breast cancer ito. Ayaw kasi nitong mag-alala ang mga magulang niya kaya hiniling nito kay Doc AJ na huwag ipaalam sa mga ito. Hindi naman iyon pwede lalo na't minor pa lang ito at kailangan talaga ng guardian.
Ayun.
Sa wakas nakita na niya ang pasyente niya nang mabunggo ito sa isang babae.
"Deanna!" tawag naman ni Doc AJ. Narinig naman siya ni Deanna kaya nagmadali itong tumayo mula sa pagkatumba at patakbo na sana nang hawakan siya sa braso ng babaeng nakabunggo niya.
Dahil doon ay tuluyan nang nakalapit si Doc AJ kay Deanna. Galit namang nagpumiglas si Deanna sa pumigil sa kanya.
"Sabi ko Doc 'wag mong sabihin, mag-aalala lang sila." inis na sabi ni Deanna pagkalapit ni Doc AJ.
Maraming tao sa paligid pero hindi naman na sila naririnig dahil may kani-kanilang itong mga isipin.
"Pero kailangan Deanna---"
"Gastos lang 'yan, tsaka ang bata bata ko pa para magkaro'n non Doc, sa ibang ospital na lang kami baka do'n wala 'kong sakit." mahabang sabi ni Deanna nang may galit. Hindi pa rin naniniwalang mayroon siyang breast cancer.
"Pang-apat niyo ng ospital 'to Deanna at ganyan lagi ang reaksyon mo sabi ng mga magulang mo. Pakinggan mo sana kami, kailangan mong magamot." sabi naman ni Doctor AJ na bahagyang hinihingal pa rin. "'Yun ba ang dahilan kaya ayaw mo? Dahil iniisip mo 'yung gastos?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Doc AJ pero umiwas lang ng tingin si Deanna.
Hindi naman na nagsalita ulit si Doc AJ at hinihintay sumagot si Deanna pero nakaiwas pa rin ito ng tingin at parang nagpipigil ng luha. Bukod sa ayaw nitong pag-alalahanin ang mga magulang nito ay mas lalong ayaw nitong pagastusin ang mga ito ng malaki para sa kanya.
"M-maybe I can help." sabi naman ng babaeng nakabungguan ni Deanna kanina, apparently rinig na rinig nito ang usapan ng dalawa hindi lang dahil sa malapit ito sa kanila kung 'di dahil na rin sadya na itong nakinig sa kanila.
Sabay namang napatingin si Deanna at Doctor AJ sa babae. Matangkad ito na morena at may mahabang buhok.
Bakas sa mata nito na kagagaling lang nito sa iyak.
Nilahad naman nito ang kamay nito at nakita ni Deanna at Doc AJ ang ATM card sa kamay nito.
"Please... I'd like to help." nagmamakaawang sabi pa nito.
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"After no'n, siya nga ang nagbayad ng buong hospital expenses ni Deanna kahit na todo tanggi pa si Deanna tanggapin 'yun. Nahihiya na nga si Deanna sa magulang niya kaya lalo na sa kanya na kakakilala pa lang kay Deanna." pagpatuloy ni Doc AJ sa kwento. "Mas matagal pa namin siyang pinilit kesa sa surgery niya. Hay." iiling-iling na sabi nito at napangiti na lang din nang maalala 'yun.
Napaisip naman si Dennise kung 'yun nga ba ulit ang dahilan ni Deanna kaya hindi na ito nagpakitang muli.
Kung financial nga ang problema...
Napatingin ulit si Dennise kay Doctor AJ.
"Where's her donor?" tanong ni Dennise.
"Not exactly sure." sagot ni Doc AJ at bahagyang ngumiti.
"Who is he, maybe we could ask---"
"She." pagputol naman ni Doctor AJ sa sinasabi ni Dennise.
"Excuse me?" litong tanong ni Dennise.
"The donor is a she." paglinaw naman ni Doctor AJ dahil hindi niya binanggit kay Dennise kung sino ito kahit description ay wala siyang sinabi.
"I see. What's her name?" tanong ulit ni Dennise.
"Uhh..." nag-aalangang sabi ni Doc AJ. "I can't tell you, she's quite popular... yet private so..."
"Oh okay," tatangong tangong sabi naman ni Dennise. "maybe we could ask her to donate again?"
"Donate again? Why would she have to?" tanong ni Doc AJ at napatigil naman si Dennise nang mapagtantong nadulas siya.
"No, won't tell you." agad na sabi ni Dennise. Naudlot naman ang ngiti ni Doc AJ na akala'y mauutakan na niya si Dennise. Hindi pa rin kasi nito alam kung anong resulta ng biopsy ni Deanna.
"Doc Dennise..." persuasive pang pagtawag ni Doc AJ. "she's become a friend of mine dahil na rin kay Deanna kaya special sa'min 'yung batang 'yon." pagkwento pa niya. "I remember how she stayed beside Deanna that whole time until she was cured like she knew her for years. Malamang nag-aalala na 'yun ng sobra para kay Deanna, pero dapat nga ba siyang mag-alala?" mahabang sabi ni Doctor AJ at nginitian si Dennise.
"Try harder Doc." sarkastikong sabi naman ni Dennise. "Does she know Deanna's here?"
"Yes I already told her, she's probably on her way." sabi naman ni Doc AJ. "Kaya I suggest na sabihin mo na sa'kin 'yung result so I could tell her and she can have an idea how much is needed for Deanna's... operation ba? Or therapy?" tanong pa ni Doctor AJ na talagang sinusubukan pa ring utakan si Dennise pero hindi niya alam magaling sa ganon ito.
"Okay, then I'll tell her myself." nakangiting sabi naman ni Dennise at 'di na nakapagsalita agad si Doctor AJ dahil ayaw pa ring sabihin ni Dennise sa kanya.
Bigla namang natawa si Doctor AJ.
"I'm her closest friend here yet she barely talks to me when she's here." sabi naman nito kay Dennise. "I doubt she's gonna talk to you."
"I can try, so when is she coming?" nakangiting sabi pa rin ni Dennise.
"I don't know."
"Or you're not just telling me?"
Doc AJ chuckled. "Seryoso hindi ko alam." pag-amin nito. "And I won't tell you who she is." habol pa nito nginitian nang matamis.
Nginitian din siya ni Dennise nang mas malapad. "It's fine, you mentioned she's famous so it might be easy for me to know."
"Did I?" pagmamaaang-maangan ni Doc AJ.
"I'll go ahead, good night Doc." paalam ni Dennise.
"Hindi mo talaga sa'kin sasabihin?" tanong pa nito pero tumayo na si Dennise at naglakad na palabas. "Dennise, uy. Wait!" pigil ni Doctor AJ pero hindi na siya pinansin ni Dennise at tuluyan nang umalis.
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"AAAAAHH---" biglang tili ni Ponggay pero agad din siyang napatakip ng bibig dahil may mga kasama siya sa loob ng locker room. Dahil dito ay nagulat at napatingin naman sa kanya ang ibang interns kaya tinignan niya rin ang mga 'to. "OMG sorry guys." agad na paumanhin nito.
Binalik ni Ponggay ang atensyon sa phone niya at binasa ang dalawang messages na nagpatili sa kanya.
Pongsss
Are you free tom? :)
Dahil doon ay dali-daling nag-reply ng oo sa message si Ponggay at kinuha na ang mga gamit niya. Nagmadali at excited siyang lumabas.
"Si Doc Den? Si Doc Den?" panay tanong ni Ponggay sa mga staff na nadadaanan niya at pasalamat naman siyang may nakapagsabing hindi pa nakakauwi si Dennise at kausap nito sa Doc AJ sa opisina nito.
"Wait!" rinig ni Dennise na pagpigil sa kanya ni Doc AJ pero hindi na niya pinansin at tuluyan nang lumabas.
"What the---" gulat na sabi ni Dennise nang bumungad sa kanya paglabas niya ang intern na si Ponggay na ngiting ngiti, hindi na rin ito naka-uniform kaya mukhang tapos na ang shift nito.
"Doc Den!" pasigaw na pagtawag ni Ponggay dito kahit magkatapat na lang sila.
Bahagyang napalayo si Dennise sa ingay nito at napakunot ang noo. "Doc Pong kalma." sabi naman niya.
"Balitang balita sa radyong sira!" sabi naman ni Ponggay.
"Radyong sira?" tanong naman ni Dennise.
"Mukhang may concert na naman ang Portmanteau!" pagbalita ni Ponggay dito.
Yes, Ponggay was a fan of the band.
Then Dennise suddenly remembered what Gretchen said so her forehead creased again.
"No, they don't." sabi naman ni Dennise at si Ponggay naman ang napakunot na ang noo.
"Huh pa'no mo nasabi Doc?" takang tanong ni Ponggay.
Naalala rin ni Dennise bigla na wala nga pala siyang sinabihang kilala niya ang Portmanteau kahit parang ang daming may kilala rito sa ospital. Lalo na si Ponggay at baka kulitin lang siya nito lalo.
"U-uh, you mentioned."
"Ay gano'n ba? 'Kala ko updated ka na rin sa kanila eh." biro naman ni Ponggay. "Kaya ayun nga Doc, kung may libreng tickets ako ulit bukas bigyan kita!" balita ni Ponggay.
"No thanks." sagot ni Dennise, o dapat ay, muling sagot ni Dennise dahil lagi na lang siyang binibigyan ni Ponggay ng free ticket sa Portmanteau at pinipilit siyang sumama pero lagi itong bigo.
Dennise started walking and Ponggay quickly followed her then clung her arm on Dennise's.
"Ate Den tara na kasi, ikaw na nga lang nakakausap ko about sa Portmanteau. Libre naman 'yung ticket, ang lungkot naman kung ako lang mag-isa 'di ba?" pangungulit pa nito.
Nornally maiinis na si Dennise sa mga gantong gestures sa kanya pero hindi ine-expect ni Dennise na isa si Ponggay sa magiging close niya sa ospital lalo pa't intern pa lang 'to. O sadyang sobrang friendly lang nito.
"Pong I don't even listen to that band." Dennise said, she almost added anymore, but good thing she didn't. "And I don't have time to go to that kind of stuff."
Biglang humiwalay si Ponggay sa kanya at tinignan siya. Technically, si Ponggay lang talaga ang nagk-kwento kay Dennise about sa Portmanteau matapos malaman nito na nakikinig si Dennise sa mga banda, pero ni hindi na nito tinanong kung sa Portmanteau nga ba.
"Okay ate ganto na lang, accept the ticket---"
"Just in case I change my mind." si Dennise na ang nagtuloy ng sasabihin ni Ponggay dahil laging ito ang linya nito kada bibigyan siya ng ticket. Sa sobrang pangungulit nito ay laging wala nang nagagawa si Dennise kundi tanggapin na lang ang mga free tickets na binibigay nito pero never naman niya itong ginamit.
Dennise always gave every ticket to someone who she thought needed it more than her.
Pagkakuha ni Dennise ng ticket ay sumigaw na naman ito. "Gusto mo 'yon? Makikita ko na idol ko bukas!" excited na sigaw nito kaya napatakip pa ng tenga si Dennise. "Ay, hindi pala bukas, basta!" sabi pa nito. "Sorry 'te, na-excite lang."
After ng pangungulit ni Ponggay ay nagpaalam na sila sa isa't isa.
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A few hours later...
Naglakad na palabas mula sa likod ng ospital si Deanna. Dalawang araw na siyang dumadaan dito dahil mas makikita siya kung sa entrance siya papasok. Kadadalaw niya lang sa tatay niyang naka-confine dito sa ospital at pauwi na siya.
"Dito rin ako dumadaan 'pag nagtatago ako eh."
Napatigil naman si Deanna sa paglalakad at napatingin sa kung saan nanggaling ang boses. Nakakita siya ng pigura sa may puno ngunit hindi niya maaninag kung sino ito dahil madilim.
Napakunot ang noo niya at bigla namang naglakad palapit sa kanya 'yung nagsalita.
Hanggang sa maaninag na niya ito dahil may ilaw sa pwesto niya. Naka-hoodie, cap, facemask, at pants ang nagsalita, tinignan siya nito.
"Nagtatago ka rin ba?" tanong nito at doon lang nabosesan nang maayos ni Deanna ang nagsalita. Lumaki ang singkit niyang mga mata.
"Ate..." gulat na sabi ni Deanna. "...Alyssa?"
Hinubad naman nito ang facemask na suot saka nginitian nang malapad si Deanna. Doon ay namukhaan na nang mabuti ni Deanna ang tumulong sa kanya mga ilang taon na ang nakakaraan na naging malapit na rin kahit papaano sa kanya.
"Hi." nakangiting bati ni Alyssa Valdez.
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a/n:
di ko rin sure ba't ganto naisip kong title pero... hahahaha
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