Part 11
I went home to have a shower and do my papers. Hindi na rin ako natulog dahil matapos ang pag-aayos, dumiretso ako sa condo para doon nalang tapusin ang mga dapat kong pirmahan. I took my laptop, marami rin emails from Drake. You know what, he should be handling their organization, the Forelli one, pero ako itong pinag-aayos niya.
Tomorrow, I am planning to stay in the hospital. I'll just want to make sure na buhay pa si Darlene. And no, hindi siya pwedeng mawala. Ang bilis naman kung mawawala siya, 'di ba? And I believe in her supremacy, matagal mamatay ang katulad niya. Tsaka, baka hindi siya tanggapin sa langit.
Tumingin ako sa oras nang matapos sa lahat ng ginagawa. I cleaned up my things first then went to bed to sleep. Hindi ko na rin kayang umuwi.
I heard a doorbell outside my unit. Napilitan akong bumangon para lumabas. I yawned as I opened the door. Nawala ang antok ko nang makita kung sino ang tao sa labas.
"Great, it's morning and you're here?" Tiningnan ko si Iris na nakatayo sa labas ng unit ko. "Does Darius know that you're going here? Umalis ka na."
"He doesn't need to know, besides wala namang kami. And... masama ka bang puntahan, Nix? Look, I made something for you, a peace offering from what happened at the Rax. Just drunk... you know..." she shrugged, I could smell alcohol from her.
"Lasing ka na naman." Hinawakan ko siya para pumasok sa loob. Nahiga siya sa sofa. Her eyes were sleepy but she's trying herself not to sleep. "How can you fucking drive when you're drunk?"
"I used grab."
My forehead creased. "With that case? Good thing the grab driver didn't take advantage of your drunkenness. You are such a headache, Iris."
"Oh, are you concerned?" She laughed playfully.
"Ano bang ginagawa mo dito?" Salubong ang kilay ko nang magbaba ng tingin sa kaniya. "Umuwi ka na. I'll call someone to pick you up." Kinuha ko ang bag niya para kunin ang cellphone niya. "Is drinking your favorite activity? Damn it. Umagang-umaga." I dialled on her phone.
Lumabas ang pangalan ng kaibigan niya kaya iyon ang tinawagan ko pero hindi naman sinagot. I called her driver instead so she could go home. Sinabi ko lang saan ang unit at lugar bago binaba ang tawag.
"I prepared something for you," she held my cheeks. "I am just doing what we used to do before. Making you breakfast, eating together, and this... we used to hold each other."
Nilayo ko ang sarili sa kaniya. I removed her hands from touching my arms. Naaawa ako sa lagi niyang ginagawa at kalagayan niya but what can I do? I will never love her the way I did before.
"You should stop, Iris. I have a girlfriend already." Damn it, this is the only way just to fucking stop her. "I am already settled with someone. Tigilan mo na. I don't want us to be ruined, so please just stop. I am begging you, stop this, please. I am trying to talk to you nicely because you're still a girl and you still deserve to be respected. So, please do the same thing."
She looked at me with her sorrowful eyes. "Ah... ayan siguro iyong kapatid ni Darius, 'no? Iyong pinag-uusapan lagi nila Gia." She let out a painful laugh. "Right, but don't expect na magiging okay kami no'n because starting today, I hate her already."
"She has no care for those who hate her. This is the last time that you're going here," my voice was serious.
Someone doorbells outside. Hinila ko si Iris para ihatid dahil alam kong driver niya 'yon. Hindi nga ako nagkamali.
"Here, pick her up." Binigay ko si Iris sa driver. "Iuwi mo sa kanila."
"Sige po, Sir. Ako na po ang bahala," tumango siya.
Hindi na ako sumagot. Bumalik ako sa unit. I closed the door. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa doorknob. Damn it. We never became official but she's acting like we did. I hope she stopped doing this because I am so tired already.
I went to the kitchen to make some coffee. I prepared first before leaving. Wala pang traffic dahil umaga palang. I massaged my head while waiting for the light to become green. God, I signed a lot of papers last night. My phone rang, Tita Grace's name appeared on the screen. Sinagot ko naman ang tawag.
"[Nix, where are you? Hindi ka umuwi.]"
"Pupunta akong Hospital, Tita. Darlene's there," sagot ko naman. "Ganoon rin si Dash, he's too critical and Darlene too."
"[Darlene... ayan ang pinagkakaabalahan mo these past few days, sabi ni Lala. What happened to her and Dash? May nangyari ba?]" Her voice sounded so worried.
"Well..." I can't answer. Sometimes... I will cut Lala's tongue to shut her talkative mouth. "Something happened and she got shot and now, she's in critical condition, rin ang kay Dash."
"[Oh my... panigurado ng galit si Serine nito, that's her daughter, right? Anyway, just take care. Tumawag lang ako para alamin ka kung nasaan ka dahil hindi ka pa umuuwi sa bahay. Ikamusta mo nalang ako kay Dash at Darlene. Ingat ka.]" Ibaba niya ang tawag.
Naghanap pa ako ng parking bago bumaba ng sasakyan. Nakasabay ko pa si Trevor na naglalakad papunta sa elevator. Hinarang niya ang isang kamay para makapasok ako sa loob.
"How's Dash?"
"It's just the same. Still not waking up and I heard... it was more complicated. He was shot close to his heart and that makes it more complicated. Well, I heard, there would be an operation, I don't know exactly the info."
"If that's the case then... I know he can do that." Aside from Darlene's supremacy, I also believe na matagal mamatay ang isang katulad niya.
Lumabas na ako ng elevator nang bumukas. I went straight to Dash's room, saktong kakalabas lang ng kwarto ni Tita Dahlia. Nagulat pa siya nang makasalubong ako. I smiled then excused myself to go inside.
"Phoenix, wait," Tita Dahlia called.
Lumingon naman ako. "Why, Tita? Is there a problem from Dash?"
"I want to say sorry for what I've said yesterday. I should've controlled my emotions, but I didn't. Alam mo, si Dash lang ang nag-iisang lalaking anak ko at iyong nangyari sa kaniya, halos hindi ko talaga kayanin. Imagine, you were tired from 48 hours duty then suddenly, isusugod ang anak mo dito sa Hospital na halos naliligo sa sarili niyang dugo. On the other hands, hindi dapat ako nagalit sa inyong lahat, hindi naman kayo ang may kasalanan. So, I am really sorry." She held my hands before smiling.
"It's fine, Tita. No need to say sorry, we all understand that. Of course, you're a mother and your feelings were valid. There's no need for you to say sorry."
"Thank you... anyway, I have to go. May tatawagan pa ako. Excuse me."
Tumango naman ako. Nang makaalis si Tita Dahlia, doon lang ako pumasok sa kwarto. Nandito na rin pala ang iba. They were watching TV like they were just in their house. Kung hindi ko pa sila sinita ay hindi sila titigil.
"When kaya gigising ang baby na 'yan?" Harvey laughed, looking at Dash's sleeping face. "Buhay ka pa ba, Torres, aba?"
"Gago, syempre," si Owen ang sumagot. "Baka nananaginip pa siya ng mga bebe girls." He smirked. "'Di ba, Dash?"
"Ito ka, o." Harvey raised a middle finger using Dash's finger.
"You all, stop it," saway ko. "Can't you all see? He's resting." Napailing nalang ako bago mapatingin sa cellphone ko dahil nag-message si Tito Dylan.
He told me some news. His daughter is safe now, finally.
"Basta ako, feeling ko, magigising 'yang si Torres kapag inuwi natin si Nicole dito sa Pilipinas." Arvin was typing on his phone.
"They broke up, Nicole has no reason to come back. She actually doesn't know what happened to this guy," Harris informed us.
"Sabagay, they broke up," ginaya ni Dice ang accent ni Harris.
"Okay, I am so done. D'yan na kayo." Tumayo ako para puntahan si Darlene.
"Nix, saan ka punta?"
"Darlene," sagot ko bago lumabas.
Sumunod naman silang lahat sa akin. Nagpaalam pa sila kay Dash kahit natutulog. Dumiretso nga kami sa kwarto ni Darlene. I am confused why Tito Dylan and his son were standing in front of Darlene's room, worried.
Hindi mapakali si Darius at halata ang takot sa mata niya, which made me nervous. Alam ko kung kailan nagiging ganito si Darius, ganito siya kapag may nangyayaring masama.
"What's happening here?" I asked, confused.
"Her body shakes and I don't know why it's happening! It makes me so nervous!" Darius replied.
Damn it. I thought she's okay. My chest suddenly felt nervous. I am starting to felt my cold sweats. Hindi ako mapakali. Gusto ko na siyang puntahan para makita ang kalagayan niya.
"Fuck it. I'm so nervous. What's happening to her? I thought everything was alright." I looked at Tito Dylan.
Hindi naman nakasagot si Tito Dylan. His eyes were scared. Tumingin lang siya sa Doctor nang lumabas mula sa kwarto ni Darlene.
"I'm sorry..." Yumuko siya.
"What do you mean?" Tanong ko pa rin kahit sobra na ang takot ko sa isasagot niya.
"She... didn't make it. Akala ko nagawa ko ang lahat. Natanggal ko ang bala sa katawan niya pero hindi kinakaya ng katawan niya. Hindi niya kinaya."
I was stunned hearing the Doctor's answer. Hindi ako makagalaw. It felt like that I was deaf for hearing that. Gusto kong ipaulit sa kaniya ang sinabi niya.
Wait... this Doctor is bluffing. She's lying. Darlene isn't dead.
"No. Bring back her life. You're a Doctor!" Darius shouted at the Doctor.
Darlene is not gone. I could feel it.
"No! That's not true! I want my daughter back!" Tito Dylan almost killed the Doctor in front of him.
But the Doctor shook her head. "I tried my best. Pero wala talaga. Kapag oras na niya, oras na niya. I'm sorry." Then she left.
Everyone was stunned after hearing those. We can't even say a word for the news about Darlene. Some of them are crying.
But no matter what I said that she's dead... my mind and heart are saying not. Na hindi iyon totoo. May mali sa sinabi ng Doctor kanina.
Pumasok ako sa kwarto ni Darlene, sumunod naman silang lahat sa akin. I can't cry because of them... dude... ang pangit nilang umiyak. I badly want to laugh but every time I see Darlene's no life... I can't do it. It hurts to see her like this.
"Dapat pala 'yong last memories natin sa kanya masaya. At sana pala hindi na lang natin siya iniwan. Hindi sana 'to mangyayari sa kanya." Finn was crying?!
"I'll make them pay." Yeah, I will do it. I can kill the person who caused this to her.
She doesn't deserve this.
"Alam mo, Darlene. The best ka! Ang ganda ganda mo pa tapos ang bait bait pa."
"Ikamusta mo na lang ako kay San Pedro, ah?" I glared at Gael. "Kung hindi man kay San Pedro, pwedeng kay Satanas na lang."
I took my gun then pointed straight to his mouth. "Papakainin kita nito kapag hindi ka pa tumahimik."
Tumahimik naman siya. Ganoon rin ang iba. Napatingin ako sa kama nang makitang mag-mulat ng mata si Darlene. I even held my chest in shock. Paano ba naman kasi, bigla siyang nag-open ng eyes.
"Gago ang LT ng mga pinagsasabi niyo!" Darlene laughed so hard, nakahawak pa sa tiyan niya.
See?! I was right! May mali sa sinabi ng Doctor kanina! Ang lakas pa rin ng tawa niya dahil sa trip niyang magpatay-patayan. A good prankster, huh?
"I thought you're dead!" Tito Dylan hugged his daughter Hinaplos niya ang buhok ni Darlene. Ramdam ang takot sa boses ni Tito Dylan.
"Hindi nga ako patay," tawa na naman niya.
"E, ano 'yong sinabi ng doctor?!" Inis na tanong ni Finn.
"Joke lang 'yon! Nanlamig lang ang katawan ko. Lakas daw kasi ng aircon pero ayos na ako."
I scoffed, crossing my arms. Do I need to give her a reward for being a good prankster?
"It's not a good joke." I said.
Masama ang tingin ko sa kanya hanggang sa lumabas sina Tito Dylan para puntahan ang Doctor dahil sa mga pinagsasabi niya kanina. Naiwan naman ako, still glaring at this girl in front of me.
"Ang sama ng tingin mo sa akin," Darlene mumbled.
"You know what you've done... you just had a fucking trip. Telling everyone that you're dead?" my voice filled with irritation.
She laughed so hard. Iyong tawa na parang wala ng bukas. "Ang LT nga ng mukha nila, e. Ang pangit umiyak! Ampota. Hindi bagay, gago. Tapos iyong mukha nila Harvey, tangina, ang pangit pala nila umiyak?"
Napailing na lang ako.
"Akala ko nga iiyak ka, e," she shifted her eyes at me.
"Tss..." Of course, I'll cry.
"Ouch... hindi ka takot na mawala ako?" Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay.
"Hindi." Takot, syempre.
"Ang bad mo naman. So pinagdadasal mo na sana nawala ako, gano'n?" Ngumuso siya.
"Huh? I didn't say that. I didn't pray for that. In fact I prayed to make you safe, takot akong mawala ka dahil gusto na yata kita," pagtatama ko. I stopped when I realized my words.
"Ano? Ano 'yong sinabi mo?" Pinanliitan niya ako ng mata. "Ulitin mo nga. Bilis. Gusto ko marinig."
"Uh, you heard nothing. Baka namali lang..." Damn.
"Fake news ka. Narinig ko, parang may gusto ka na. Kanino?"
"Can you just rest?" I changed the topic.
Napairap siya. "Change topic ka pa, ha? Sus, takot ka nga na mawala ako. Crush mo ako, 'no?"
Oo nga, crush kita.
"Matulog ka nalang, please?"
"Ayos lang 'yan, may crush din naman ako sa 'yo." She laughed.
Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. "Again."
"Ah, wala." She giggled before lying on her bed.
Nakatingin lang ako sa kanya habang siya naman ay nakahiga na. Nginitian niya lang ako. Dumating sina Gianna kaya nagpaalam akong aalis na para bumalik sa kwarto ni Dash. Nandoon naman pala ang iba.
"Hays, sayang ang luha ko," si Finn. "Pangit pala umiyak ni Renz."
"Tangina mo, dinamay mo pa ako. Mas pangit ka umiyak, tanga."
Sumabat na ako sa usapan nila bago pa humaba.
Nilingon ko si Dash. "For now, let's keep it a secret kung bakit wala si Dash ngayon. She needs to be okay first, huwag muna ngayon. And for sure, hahanapin ni Darlene ang lalaking 'to." I rolled my eyes.
"Selos ka?" Mavis smirked.
"Of course not, why would I be?" Tanggi ko naman.
"Kaya nga, tsaka wala naman siyang karapatan. 'Di ba, Nix, wala kang karapatan?" Tumingin si Rafael sa akin, nakangisi pa. "Pakihanap ng 'K', Nix, thanks."
"Tangina mo, Raf." Binato ko siya ng unan.
"Ito, ito. Ano bang specific type mo, Nix?" Finn got interested in my types.
I don't have any specific one, isa lang naman type ko... it has always been this one girl who really caught my attention ever since I saw her. No other than, Darlene Miranda.
"Well..." I licked my lower lip, thinking about my answer. "I don't have any specific one..."
"Kahit isa?" Trevor arched his brow. "What about mahilig magmura? Love crinkles."
"Oh, yeah, I think that counts." Tumango-tango ako. "Type ko 'yong mahilig mag-mura. Kahit murahin ako, ayos lang. Mahal ko naman."
"Are you talking about Darlene now?"
"Hey, I didn't say that!" I denied Mavis' accusation. "Sumasagot lang ako sa tanong niyo."
Nagbaba ako ng tingin sa screen ng phone ko. I received a chat from Darlene. Binasa ko naman agad. Nagsalubong lang ang kilay ko dahil na nabasa.
Darlene Miranda:
Tangina mo, Nix, hehe.
See?! What a love language, baby.
Phoenix Ryler Velasquez:
Love language mo ba ay words of affirmation tapos mura iyong way?
Darlene Miranda:
Oo, tas murahin ka love language ko.
I typed a reply.
Phoenix Ryler Velasquez:
Love language lang? You don't love me directly?
Darlene Miranda:
Luh, lakas mo naman.
I chuckled. I felt everyone's eyes on me. I ignored their judging eyes.
Phoenix Ryler Velasquez:
It's fine though. Btw, you don't want me to be your boyfriend? I'm willing!
Wait... Is this still me?
Darlene Miranda:
Boyfriend lang? Ayaw mo 'ko maging asawa?
My jaw dropped. Hindi ako halos maka-reply. Fuck, ang lakas naman nito. Balak tumingin ni Harvey sa phone ko pero tinakpan ko. Masama akong tumingin sa kanya.
"Nakakatakot ka na, Nix. Ngumingiti ka nang mag-isa," si Arvin.
Kaya ayokong nandito ang mga 'to, e. Papansin masyado. Pinatay ko na ang cellphone ko matapos mag-reply. Naka-received naman ako ng middle finger mula kay Darlene.
Lumabas rin kaming lahat. Kung nasaan ako, nandoon rin ang mga 'to. Parang tanga. Napadaan pa si Gianna kaya tinawag ni Harvey. Natutulog raw si Darlene pero ka-chat ko. At nanlalaglag pa talaga sila."
Ang papansin talaga ng mga 'to.
"Tinatanong niya kung nasaan si Dash. Sa tingin ko, kailangan niyong sabihin sa kanya. Nag-aalala, e." Gianna changed the topic.
"Ayaw nga ni Nix na nag-aalala ang kaniyang crush kaya ayaw niyang ipaalam."
Why do they need to include my fucking name everytime?
"Yieee... namula." Finn teased "Ipupusta ko talaga ang mga pera ko kapag nalaman kong may crush ka kay Darlene!"
I raised my middle finger. Iniwan ko sila dahil ang lakas mang-asar. What's the problem if may crush nga ako do'n? Wala namang masama, 'di ba?
"Ayie! Kilig ka Nix?! Parang kanina lang—"
"Shut your fucking mouth, Marquez!" I yelled.
Tawa nila ang narinig ko. "Nix, promise hindi ko sasabihin. Crush mo si Darlene?"
Sana pwede pa ako maghanap ng bagong kaibigan.
"Silent means yes!"
"Crush mo si Darlene, ha!" Pang-aasar ni Gael.
"I don't have a crush, idiots. But I can crashed your fucking faces using my bullets." Kinasa ko ang baril ko.
Naramdamang kong lumayo silang lahat sa 'kin. Binawi rin naman nila ang mga pinagsasabi. Dumiretso ako ng lakad pabalik sa hospital room ni Darlene.
"Kumusta nga pala si Dash?" Gianna asked.
"He's doing fine. Kailangan niya lang ma-monitor hanggang magising siya," sagot ni Trevor.
"Iyon lang, galit na galit talaga si Tita Dahlia. Gusto niyang hanapin ang taong may gawa nito sa anak niya, kay Dash," Owen replied. "Pinapahanap na nga ni Tita, e, at higit sa lahat ay may katulong si Tita. Hindi lang namin alam kung sino. Ang secretive talaga nila."
I know that, of course, hindi naman palalampasin ni Tita Dahlia 'to. At syempre, kailangan niya ng tulong ni Tita Serine.
Wala pa kami sa tapat ng pinto ng kwarto ay may nakita na akong babaeng nakatayo. Nasa harap niya si Tita Dylan kasama ang dalawang anak. They were like dogs. Her structure is familiar, my eyes narrowed as I realized it's Tita Serine.
She's really here. Mukhang si Darlene ang dahilan kung bakit nandito siya. Her daughter got shots of course she'll be worried.
Tumingin ako sa mga kasama ko. Hindi nga pala nila kilala si Tita Serine, tanging si Tito Dylan lang ang kilala nila. No wonder why their faces are scared and clueless at the same time. But not Trevor, he knows about Tita Serine. Alam lang nila si Tito Dylan ang namahala, but little did they know... Tita Serine is also part of this, plus the fact that she is a Mafia Queen.
Nilingon ko si Drake at Darius. I smirked. Tiklop naman pala sila kay Tita Serine. Hindi ko alam na may kinatatakutan pala ang dalawang 'to.
Napatingin naman sila sa amin. Nilapitan ko si Tita Serine para bumati.
"It was nice to see you again, Phoenix and Trevor." Tita Serine smiled.
"It was nice to see you again, too. Mrs. Miranda." Trevor greeted.
"Nice to see you again, too, Tita Serine." I simply smiled.
She nodded. Nilingon niya ang likod ko bago nilipat sa akin at sa mga anak niya. "We have a discussion later including all of your members." She looked at everyone one by one. "Lahat papupuntahin niyo dahil hinding-hindi ko 'to palalampasin. Dylan, prepare all what you have and Drake give me their names."
Perks of being the only girl in the family. No one ever dared to touch their only baby girl. Tss, panigurado, lagot ang gumawa ng ganito kay Darlene.
Napatigil ang lahat nang may marinig kaming sigaw mula sa loob ng kwarto. Agad kaming pumasok at ang iritadong mukha ni Darlene ang bumungad sa amin. Nilapitan naman siya ni Tita Serine.
Habang nag-uusap sila ay may pumasok sa isip ko. Palaisipan rin sa akin kung bakit siya gustong makuha ng mga lalaking nakalaban namin. I am curious, is Darlene one of the highest and most respected people? Is she part of some organization or something? Why does everyone want her?
"They also said about Heiress. I think they are referring to you," sambit ko.
"Yeah, they really want you to die but die for what?" Trevor added.
Hindi ko man lang nakuha ang sagot na gusto ko. Tita Serine wants all of us to be focused on our damn study. Tell me, how? Lalo na kung alam kong ito na yata ang simula ng paghihirap sa buhay ni Darlene because of those bastards who wants her. Anyway, malalaman ko rin naman kung ano ʼyon. I just need to be patient. Malalaman ko rin ang lahat.
But I thought makakatakas ako sa tanong ni Darlene pero hindi. She kept on asking where Dash was. Konting pangungulit pa niya susunduin ko na talaga siya. Napapaisip ako kung may gusto siya kay Dash.
Nandito naman ako pero bakit si Dash ang hinahanap niya? Tss... malapit ko nang isipin na may gusto siya kay Dash. If it's true... tss... that's fucking ridiculous.
Kung crush ko siya, dapat crush niya rin ako. Para hindi unfair.
Umalis na lang muna ako dahil alam kong pupunta pa kami mamaya sa hideout to do what Tita Serine said. Nagpaalam naman ako kay Darlene bago umalis.
"So, why are we all here, Tita?" I asked before leaning at the swivel chair.
"Just a few discussions, Nix." Nilingon niya ang lahat. "First, I am Serine, a gorgeous of all gorgeous, and a mother of these two annoying children, and of course to my baby Darlene who is still resting at the hospital." May pinagmanahan pala si Darlene. "Are you guys aware that Black Forum was divided into two? Which is the Satyr and Forelli Organization, and you guys are aware that... we all know your parents?"
I'm aware that my Dad is part of this organization kaya nga magkakilala at magkaibigan si Dad at Tito Dylan. Bata palang ako kilala ko na si Tito Dylan. Hindi ko nga inakala na bago palang kami maging magkakilala ni Darius, e, magkaibigan na si Dad at Tito.
"How?" They asked.
"Just tell them, Mama," si Darius.
"Alright, I'll tell you why we all know your parents. First, back then I really didn't know their name. Nakilala ko lang sila dahil sa asawa ko. Hindi rin kasi ako lumaki dito sa Pinas. Dylan and your fathers are colleagues. Also, nalaman ko lang ang Organization because of Dylan. Then nalaman ko na may kaibigan pala siya which is Phoenix's father, who also part of the organization. I think bago pa kami maging mag-asawa ay buo na ito, I just made a decision na hatiin sa dalawa dahil sa laki ng organization. I am handling the main organization in Australia, dito sa Pilipinas ay ang asawa ko at ang father ni Phoenix. Sila ang may hawak ng Satyr at Forelli."
"Iyong mga position ba namin ay 'yong kagaya sa parents namin?" JP asked.
Tita Serine nodded. "Yes, of course. Hindi pwedeng nakatanga lang ang organization kailangan buhay pa rin kahit may mga anak na kami. So, we decide that once we had a child, 'yon ang susunod sa yapak nila. Betrayals, mistakes, and lost ang nangyari noon, noong mga wala pa kayo. We didn't expect that the person we trusted a lot... betrayed us. The person who killed Phoenix's parents."
That fucking bastard?! Was part of the organization?!
"That fucking Almendral?!" Darius hissed.
"Yes, my dear son. We know him. And we know that he likes Rica a lot but she likes someone else, which is Phoenix's father." Tita answered. "Mabait naman siya noon... nabulag lang siya sa pagmamahal. Ang daming nadamay sa ginawa niya." Tita Serine sighed to relax. "Okay, back to the topic. So, we trusted him a lot but he was really blind in love. Nagawa niyang traydurin ang kaibigan niya noon. Sa kagustuhan niyang makuha ang gusto, he planned bomb all over the building and he planned to get Rica, humingi pa siya ng tulong sa iba na kaaway namin. We lost friends back then. They lost the love of their lives."
I will never forgive that bastard.
"Noong una ang hirap bumangon dahil nawalan kami but the organization was still first in the list. Since Black Forum is the biggest Mafia organization in the world... I decided to divide it into two. Black Forum which is the main group, ang mga magulang niyo ang kasapi. While Satyr and Forelli, soon to be members, were you all, and it happened. Kayo ang naging miyembro."
Now I understand why my father wants to train me because in the first place I'm part of this Mafia organization. Kaya niya ako tinuruan at kung bakit laging pinapaalahanan when it comes to Mafia. Here's the main reason why he wants me to be ready. At naiintindihan ko na rin kung bakit kilala ni Tito Dylan si Almendral, they were in the same Mafia group back then. But the bastard betrayed them.
"Kaya pala abala si Daddy lagi noon. Lintik na 'yan, kaya rin pala lagi niya akong pinipilit na humawak ng baril dahil d'yan!" Renz shook his head.
Lumingon ako kay Drake. "Do you know about this, Drake?"
"Of course, buhay na ako ng panahon na 'yan." He nodded.
"Then why didn't you tell us about this, Kuya?" Darius rolled his eyes.
"Oh... I forgot the story." Drake smirked. "And I'm busy taking care of my baby Darlene."
Ang daming palusot nito.
"I want to ask... paano sinabi ng mga magulang niyo na parte kayo dito?" Tito Dylan interrupted.
"Hindi po kami sinabihan. Binigyan po kami ng black invitation. Gulat pa nga po kami kasi hindi naman namin kilala ang isa't isa tapos ganito." Zay replied.
I remembered that... lahat sila may pinakita sa akin noong tinanong ko sila kung paano sila naging member ng organization.
"Ah, I remembered now. The black card with gold? At kailangan may pabagsak kayong kalaban bago makapasok?" Tita Serine said.
Tumango naman silang lahat. They experienced that?
"Then pagkatapos n'on, may babaeng nagbigay sa amin ng Black Forum card at may group kung saan kami belong. Which is Forelli." Rafael said.
"Ang dami kasing pakulo ni Drake. Pa-gano'n gano'n pa." I rolled my eyes.
"True... if he just gave the card and their—."
"Shut up you two." Drake cut Darius off.
But yeah... pakulo ni Drake ang ganito. Kaya pala nasa isang section kami dahil doon kami nilagay ni Sir. Lazarus kung saan parte rin siya ng organization. Lahat ng kasama ko sa Forelli nasa SHS, while Darius in GFS. Umalis lang naman siya dahil sa mga nangyari noon,
"Good for them. At least nagawa nila. Tsaka, well trained naman kayo ng mga magulang niyo." Tita Serine smirked.
"Ah, si Darlene, ano ang position niya?" Gianna asked.
"Hmm... ano nga ba? Maybe a sole Heiress?" Tita Serine shrugged.
Bumalik lahat ng iniisip ko nang marinig ang Heiress na 'yan
"Wait, I want to ask. Is Darlene a Heiress not in the Mafia but in the Royal Family?" Naguguluhan na talaga ako. "They said, Heiress, isa lang naman ang alam ko. If not the Mafia, then the Royal Family."
"We still don't know the... reason, Nix. We only are that... someone wants her head."
Tumango ako kahit hindi ako masyadong kumbinsido sa sagot ni Tita Serine.
"Okay," I said, Darius looked at me. "What? Don't worry, wala akong kakalkalin." Nagdududa pa siya sa sagot ko.
"Pero Miss Serine... ibig sabihin kilala niyo na kami noon pa man?" Rafael asked.
"Well, slight... but for Phoenix, yes. Baby palang. Because I know him since day one, naglalaro pa nga sila ni Darlene noon." Napangiti pa si Tita Serine.
"What?" Gulat kong tanong.
"You know, Nix, when Darius and Darlene turned one. You were invited. Tss... naglalaro pa nga kayo sa garden and how bad of you. You stole Darlene's milk," Drake said and even down a goddamn picture.
Ginawa ko 'to? I don't remember! Stupid, because you were just one year old! Tumingin naman ako sa picture. He was right. Darlene and I were playing!
"Angas mo naman, Nix. Hindi na mahihirapan si Darlene na ipakilala ka as her boyfriend." Harris laughed.
"Kayo na ng anak ko?" biglang tanong ni Tito Dylan.
"Uh... just ask her, Tito," tanging nasagot ko.
I just can't believe that Darlene and I were playmates back then. I can't imagine that... kaya pala may parte sa akin na kilala ko siya noong una kong kita sa kanya. We were still babies but we knew each other.
Wala akong balak umuwi ngayon sa mansion. Dumiretso ako sa condo para lang maligo at magbihis. Bumalik rin ako sa Hospital after. I even bought a clothes pero iniwan ko sa kotse. Gumaya naman ang mga 'to. They even bought their things just to sleep in Darlene's room.
Masaya naman lalo na sa agreement namin ni Darlene. But for me it's only a joke. Baka mapatay ako ni Tito Dylan nang wala sa oras kung sakaling malaman niyang fiancé ko ang anak niya.
"Hindi! Hindi ako papayag!" Kontra ni Darlene. "Gago ka ba?!"
Siguro kung seryoso talaga ako sa agreement na 'to baka kahit wala pang one hundred nasa simbahan na kaming dalawa ngayon.
"Who says I'm asking for your permission?" I asked.
Nanliit ang mata niya sa akin. "Putangina mo! Kapag ako gumaling ihahampas talaga kita sa pader!" She's glaring at me.
I smirked before putting my hand inside of my pocket. "Finn, she cussed two times already."
"Ilista mo!" Sabi ni Harvey.
Masama ang tingin ni Darlene sa akin hanggang sa tanungin niya kung nasaan si Dash. Si Dash na naman ang hanap niya.
"Bakit mo ba hinahanap si Dash?" Renz raised an eyebrow.
"Wala lang."
Wala pero kung makapaghanap wagas. Nandito naman kasi ako tapos kung sino-sino pang hinahanap.
"Weh? May crush ka do'n, 'no?" Harvey and Cervantes asked.
"Mayroon," sagot niya dahilan para mapatigil ako. "Gago, joke lang. Syempre wala. Hindi ko 'yon crush."
Good, at least wala siyang crush isa mga taong 'to. Dapat ako lang. Ako lang dapat.
Pinabili ko ng mga pagkain ang iba. Nagpaiwan sina Trevor, ewan ko kung bakit. Darlene was scrolling on her phone but ended up laughing. She was typing on her phone until she laughed again.
At si Laureen lang pala ang kausap. Nakabukas pa ang conversation nila ni Laureen. My brows furrowed when I saw the last message.
LaureenDiaz: Wait, may ipapakilala ako sayo! He's handsome, hot, malakas ang sex appeal, rich, and smart! Damn!
I'm handsome, hot, have a sex appeal, rich, and smarter than that! Bakit may nirereto 'tong si Laureen? Mas gugustuhin ko pang inaasar niya ako kay Darlene kaysa malaman na may nirereto siya dito.
Dumating naman ang iba na may dalang pagkain. We started to eat, ayaw pang kumain ni Darlene dahil puro veggies. After eating, we watched horror. Ayoko n'on pero wala akong magawa dahil 'yon ang pinili nila. Nag-aya rin naman silang matulog nang matapos ang pinapanood.
Tulog na ang lahat pero hindi ako makatulog. Lumabas ako ng kwarto para bumili sa labas. Sinilip ko pa si Darlene bago tuluyan umalis. Bumalik rin naman agad ako.
Natigilan pa ako dahil may naririnig akong kumakanta malapit sa balcony. Binaba ko ang hawak na susi at gatas sa table bago lumapit. I saw Darlene sitting while holding a guitar and singing.
"Why did you stop?" I asked when she stopped
"Uh...." She was shocked to see me here. I can sense that she's ashamed of what I saw.
"Why are you still awake?" I asked instead.
Gabing-gabi na pero gising pa siya.
"Hindi kasi ako dinadalaw ng antok," sagot niya.
"Hindi naman kasi siya multo para dalawin ka."
"Tangina, iba kasi." She rolled her eyes.
Oh, she cussed again. I raised an eyebrow. "You really want to be my wife, huh?"
She coughs. "Gago ka ba?!"
"You know, Miss. I'm counting your cuss and this day, you cuss eight times already." I smiled. "Pwede mo naman kaming murahin may kapalit nga lang... magiging asawa kita." I winked.
"Ano ka chix? Ayoko nga. Papatayin ako ni Kuya, ni Darius, lalo na si Papa." Nag-strum siya sa gitara. "Isama mo na ang aking momshie."
"Edi itatanan kita," biro ko.
"Tangina, tigil-tigilan mo ako. Lakas ng amats mo, Velasquez, ah. Ihahampas ko sa 'yo 'to." She pointed at the guitar.
"You're so hot, Mrs. Velasquez. Relax...." I smirked more.
It's so good to hear when I called her that way.
"L-lumayas ka nga rito!" Bigla siyang nautal.
Natawa naman ako. Kinuha ang isang monobloc chair bago kunin ang gitara sa kamay niya.
"Marunong ka mag-gitara?" tanong niya.
I nodded. "Yeah."
"A-Anong alam mong tugtugin?"
"Kahit ano." Tumingin ako sa kaniya. "But, you know? I heard this song while I'm buying foods last time."
Singing the song Binibini makes me remember Darlene. I couldn't help but look at her. Siya lang talaga ang babaeng nakakagawa sa akin ng ganito. Her words, action, even her laughs make me crazy. Darlene Michelle Miranda is making me damn crazy.
"You know what? Everytime I hear this song, I always remember our dance in the middle of the night while it's raining."
"'Yong... ano... 'yong pagkatapos nilagnat ako?" She gulped.
I nodded. "Yeah." Binaba ko ang gitara. "That's why this song is my favorite now. Because we dance while this song is on. And I still can't forget that night when I danced with the girl I found elegant and lovely."
I don't know how to express my feelings right now. Alam ko sa sarili ko, may nararamdaman na talaga ako para sa kaniya. I am scared of commitment, but for her, I am willing to take a risk even if I know what will be the end of this.
"Tulog na tayo," yaya ko.
Tinulungan ko siyang sumampa sa kama bago nilagay sa tabi niya ang dextrose.
"Bakit ka nandito?" Tanong niya.
"Gusto kitang katabi." Naupo ako sa tabi niya bago kunin ang gatas na binili ko kanina.
"Ay, painom." Hindi ko pa nga nabubuksan, e. Siya na ang kumuha at nagbukas ng gatas.
"Talaga?"
"Oo, tikman mo." She nodded.
"Okay," sabi ko bago nilapit ang mukha sa kaniya. I claimed her lips then tasted the milk from her lips. "Sarap nga..." I chuckled.
Gulat naman siyang nakatingin sa akin.
Umayos ako ng upo. "Sa 'yo na 'yan, sa 'yo na lang ako titikim."
"Ulol." Hinawi ko ang kamay niya nang balak niya akong hampasin.
Hindi niya ako pinansin hanggang sa maubos niya ang iniinom. Sinusubukan ko pang kausapin siya pero iniirapan niya ako. Ang sarap naman talaga lalo na kung sa labi niya mismo nanggaling.
"Darlene, urong." Kanina pa ako nakahiga sa tabi niya. Pilit ko siyang inusog para naman may space ako.
"Wow... sino nga ulit ang nabaril? Ako o ikaw?"
"Ikaw pero look, mahuhulog ako." Humawak ako sa braso niya.
"Ano ba? Ang ingay mo. May natutulog, o," saway niya. "Tsaka, huwag mo nga akong yakapin. Ang sikip-sikip tapos dito ka sa kama ko sisiksik."
"Kunyari ka pa, alam ko namang gusto mo ang yakap ko." I smirked. "Ikaw lang ang yayakapin ko."
"Talaga ba." Kinuha niya ang blanket.
"Of course, kaya nga niyayakap kita. You want a kiss? It's free."
She raised her middle. Natawa naman ako.
"Umurong ka na."
Hanggang dalawang tao ang hospital bed ni Darlene pero masikip pa rin. Gumilid ako ng higa pero nakaharap sa kanya. She gulped.
"Darlene, are you going to sleep?" I asked when she closed her eyes. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa labi niya, how red, huh?
"Oo." Balak niyang gumilid pero hinila ko siya palapit sa akin. Nakahiga na siya sa braso ko. My hands were on her hair, stroking it. "A-Ano ba?" Namula ang pisngi niya.
"Wala lang... ang cute mo pala kapag namumula." I chuckled.
"Letche..." Gumilid siya at iniwasan ako. "'Wag ka ngang tumawa."
"You know... kahit madilim kita ang pamumula mo. Aw." Siniko ako ni Darlene. "Ang brutal mo..."
"Lumayo ka nga. Ang lapit mo sa akin."
"Ayoko. I like the closeness between us." I was about to kiss her but she pushed using her palms. She even kicked my feet. "Aray, mahuhulog ako. Darlene, aray!"
"Masakit, 'di ba? Doon ka nga sa sofa. Alis ka. Alis."
"Ayoko nga. Gusto kita katabi. Aray ko! Darlene, stop! Aray!" Darlene was pinching me! "Aray! Stop! Hahalikan kita ulit."
"Ulol!" She was pushing me. "Velasquez! Aray ko gago ʼyong sugat ko!"
"Dude, I was about to fall!" Tinawanan naman niya ako.
"Ang ingay! Gabi na! Tama na harutan!"
Natigilan naman kaming dalawa. Nilingon ako ni Darlene.
"Ingay mo kasi." Paninisi niya.
"Oo na, kasalanan ko na." I kissed her left cheeks. "Let's sleep." Balak niyang umalis pero hinawakan ko ang kamay niya. "Don't fight it."
"Nakayakap pa talaga..." bulong niya.
"Hush, sleep." Gumilid ako ng higa para mayakap siya ng maayos. "Goodnight..." I whispered. "I mean, mornight... Miranda." I kissed the top of her head then shut my eyes.