Joaquin De Vera
🏁
"We won't get along," I plainly said after taking my car keys from Kenzo's hand. I left it at his place the last time I visited him. Dalawang araw ko tuloy hindi nagamit ang sasakyan ko.
"I know." He laughed. "Don't worry, we got your back. If our sister will do something or is doing something reckless, call us three right away, okay?"
"Oo nga pala, nasa bahay siya ng kaklase niya ngayon, may gagawin, thesis daw. Alas dos pa ng hapon wala sa bahay 'yon. Hindi nagsabing gagabihin." Kel shrugged.
"You gotta need it." Keanu handed me a piece of paper with a phone number written on it. Definitely, her sister's. "It's her birthday by the way."
"Don't worry, we will be back after the business trip. You won't be looking after her forever," Kenzo laughed.
The three of them - Keanu, Kenzo, and Kelvin, they're like brothers to me since our families were business partners. I used to play with them when I was a kid, mostly with Kenzo and the other two looked like big bullies to me the first time we met.
They had been my guide through life specially when everything's getting tough. Isa iyon sa mga dahilan kung bakit hindi ko sila magawang tanggihan kahit pa tungkol sa kapatid nilang babae, si Keira. Madalas kaming mag-away noon. Ewan ko kung tanda niya pa 'yon. We're three years apart.
Hindi ko makakalimutang hinampas niya ako ng bulldozer truck toy sa noo. I cried so much that day and she wouldn't even say sorry. Good thing her eldest brother, Keanu, was always there to teach her a lesson. What a brat.
Tumango ako bilang pagsang-ayon sa kanilang sinabi saka sila tuluyang umalis. Pinanood ko ang tatlong sasakyan na parang nagpapaligsahan. At ang palagi kong inaasahan, nangunguna lagi si Kenzo - or should I say Kuya.
Inilabas ko na rin ang aking sasakyan dahil may susunduin pa akong pinsan na nasa inuman ngayon. Ah, I miss driving this beauty - Porsche. Speaking of my low tolerance dumbass cousin, my phone screen's already flashing his name. "Glad you're still alive," I answered.
He's too drunk to talk properly and the background was too loud I can't even hear him talk. "Stay put. I'm on my way." I started the engine and ended the call.
🏁
I stopped at the nearest gas station for a while. I took that little minute to have a bite of the vanilla crème brûlée Kenzo made for me. Just three bites and I covered the tupperware and had some water. "Look after her they say..." I let out a deep sigh. I got a little minute to check their sister's socials, too. It wasn't a surprise we weren't mutuals in any platforms.
"Keira Denise..." mahina kong sambit habang nagso-scroll sa kanyang Facebook profile. Nothing to see but alcoholic memes. The last thing I checked was her Instagram - her stories perhaps. I used my dump account so it wouldn't be obvious I was stalking her. As far as I remember, what Kel said, she's at her classmate's house doing a schoolwork. So why is there a pool?
Her stories were like a PowerPoint presentation sa sobrang dami. Right, it's her birthday but I'm only expecting a little celebration at her friend's house while doing their school stuff. House, hindi resort. Nakalagay pa ang location kung nasaan siya.
Last, I stalked her followings and the three of them were on the list. Obviously, naka-hide sa kanilang tatlo 'tong stories. Nang matapos magpa-gas ay nagpatuloy ako ulit. Madadaanan ko ang lugar kung nasaan siya. Crazy but I'm already hearing voices in my head that I should pick her up.
🏁
"Shit!" Bumusina ako ng malakas nang mayroong tumawid bigla. Hindi ko man rinig pero alam kong "sorry" ang sinabi niya nang mapatigil siya saglit. Huminga ako ng malalim at napahampas sa manibela dahil sa nerbyos. "Muntik na 'yon," mahina kong sambit.
Nilingon ko ang babae na patuloy pa rin sa paglalakad. Sinilip ko rin kung saan siya galing. Tinignan ko sa GPS at nakitang malapit na lang ako sa resort. There, I realized who that girl was. I didn't think twice following her. It was all dark for her to walk alone.
Nakahanap ako kung saan pwede mag-park. No one's around but the two of us so it's safe not to wear a mask, I hope. Binilisan ko ang paglalakad hanggang sa maabutan ko siya. She stopped at the bridge near waters. Lalapitan ko na rin sana pero napatigil ako nang marinig ko siyang umiiyak. My mind's already asking what happened.
Without a doubt, I put on my leather jacket to cover her up from the cold wind. Ewan ko rin, but I feel like she needed it. "Sorry, I followed you. I got worried."
Dark brown eyes, caramel brown short curls, definitely a 5'5 - she got taller a bit since the last time I saw her in a race with someone I definitely hate the most. Intimidating looks, and obviously a headache. That's how I see her. I don't hate her, nor like her. I just don't feel the need to babysit someone who can handle herself.
🏁
"This is kidnapping!"
One thing the three didn't warn me about - she was hell noisy, malditang madaldal. "Your brothers are my boss, then," I replied. Kung feeling niya wala siyang choice, ako rin. Mayamaya'y tumawag sa'kin si Kenzo, nagtatanong kung kamusta na ang lagay ng kapatid niya.
Nandito, amoy alak. If only I can say that... Nang tumagal kaming dalawa sa byahe ay napansin kong medyo tumahimik na siya. Hanggang sa makarating kami sa club kung nasaan si Raven.
Ang pag-sundo lang talaga ang dapat kong gagawin ngayon but now I have to babysit two headaches. "So? Nagkabalikan na kayo?" tanong ko habang inaakay na siya palabas. Umiling lang siya at natawa. "Kawawa ka naman," asar ko pa.
"Yabang, palibhasa moved on na sa cheater niyang ex."
"At sana ikaw rin."
"Miss ko na siya." That's his favorite line this year and I've been hearing that over and over for months now.
"Tumigil ka na. Para kang gago." Mahina ko siyang binatukan at ipinasok na sa kotse. "Damn, this kid." Inayos ko na rin ang seatbelt niya. Gusto ko na siyang maka-move on dahil tinatamad na akong sunduin siya sa kung saan gabi-gabi. Inaalok ko na sa bahay na lang uminom, ayaw naman. Parang tanga.
I'm not really a fan of drinking outside. Ang hirap lang dahil lapitin ng disgrasya. Mas okay na sa bahay na lang dahil mas mababantayan ko siya ro'n. And back to the other person in my car, nakipagtalo pa si Keira sa'kin na hindi raw siya tumakas. Nakakatuwa naman ang paggawa nila ng thesis, may kasamang pool party.
🏁
See you never, those were the last words from her after I drove her home. As if I wanted to see her again. It's been two weeks...
"Joaquin! Glad you made it!" Salubong sa'kin ni Primo at inabutan ako ng whiskey. "I know this isn't your type of place but I appreciate your presence here." Akbay nito sa'kin.
"Only on your birthdays." We clinked our glasses. Raven and Primo would be friends when it comes to this. Disco lights, heavy drinks, parties excluding the girls that will happily flock around them. Yup, no matter how drunk they could be, they'll stay loyal to death. Unfortunately, both of them are such busy people. Their schedules won't meet. Well, I'm glad it won't.
I smirked at that thought before taking a sip on my whiskey. I later on joined them at the ping pong table. "How's your babysitting?" Primo teased after shooting the ping pong ball in the red cup.
"Shut up." Kinuha ko ang bola sa kanya at ako naman ang naglaro.
"You can bring her sometimes. She's Kenzo's sister, right? And anyone related to him is a friend of mine. Plus, she's now related to you." He pointed at me before throwing the ball again. Umiling-iling lamang ako sa kanyang sinabi.
"I won't bring her anywhere with me-" Napatigil ako nang may makita akong bagong pasok ng club. Those curls were familiar alright. "I'll be right back," paalam ko kay Primo at nginisihan lang ako. "Babysit well, bro!" asar niya pa ulit.
"Fuck you." I raised my middle finger as I walked away from the ping pong table. I followed her carefully. Naupo ako sa counter na malapit sa pwesto nilang magkakaibigan, perfect enough to watch her. Looking after her for a while won't hurt my time. I'm schedule-free anyway. Well, at least, for now.
🏁
Hindi ko namalayang halos dalawang oras ko na siyang binabantayan. I saw her dance wildy like no one's watching, drink hard like there's no fucking tomorrow for her liver, at makipaghalikan sa kung kanino. I watch her had fun, yes. Not until I saw her go to the bathroom with the guy she was kissing a moment ago.
"That's it." Nag-lapag na ako ng bayad at tumayo upang sundan siya. I stood outside the girl's restroom, took my phone and texted her. Thanks to Keanu for giving me her number, it sure is handy.
To: Responsibility
This is Kenzo. Where are you, Keira? Thesis?
Wala pang isang minuto ay narinig ko nang bumukas ang pintuan ng banyo at lumabas siya. Yes, thanks to me. I just prevented unwanted pregnancy. Nang makalabas na rin ang lalaki ay agad kong hinarang. "Don't try to follow her or you're dead." My last words before following her myself. Fucking ironic.
"Did my brothers sent you again?"
"I'm already here before you and your friends arrived." I started pulling her away from the counter but ended up getting a new drink dahil nabitawan ko ang kanyang palapulsuhan. Napamasahe na lang ako sa aking batok sa inis. She was about to party again when suddenly lightning struck her that she stopped for a while.
Sinubukan kong sundan kung saan ang kanyang tingin nang bigla niya na lang ako hinawakan at hinalikan. Umayos siya ng posisyon para mas mahalikan ako ng maayos. I somehow panicked at first - didn't know what to do about it but ended up kissing her back. Won't lie, she's good at it.
Matapos ay inabutan niya ako ng alak at hinila sa pwesto ng dalawang nagsasayawan. Nang malingon ko ay saka ko lang napagtanto kung sino ang isa sa mga 'yon. Jayson Perez. And news travel so fast that I already knew they've broken up. Okay, now I understand what's going on.
"Keira, I'll take you home," yaya ko but of course, the usual Keira I know since, she will always say no. I tried to convince her 'til she finally got what she wanted to happen. The tension started between the three of them. Had no idea who the girl was but I'm sure as hell that she won't be able to leave this club without a black eye if ever Keira make a move. So as Jayson. I won't let him lay a finger.
This is why I don't like drinking outside. Akala ko ay may away na mangyayari but I'm so relieved that they're the first ones to walk away. As they should. "Show's over. Makakaalis ka na," taboy na sa'kin ni Keira.
"I'm not leaving you here," mariin kong sabi pero sa laging inaasahan, hindi niya iyon pinansin at mabilis na naglakad palayo sa'kin. Sa kumpulan ng mga tao ay hindi ko agad siya naabutan. Umakyat ako sa second floor para mas madali siyang mahanap. 'Til I bumped into Primo.
"Dude, what's wrong? May nakaaway ka ba? Ba't gan'yan ang itsura mo?"
"Have you seen her?" I started to worry.
"Who?"
"Keira."
"Oh!" A hint of amusement was flustered on his face. "That her. Nakasalubong ko siya palabas kanina, a few moments ago. Mukhang uuwi na."
"Thanks." I patted his shoulder before continuing outside the club. There, I found her already passed out. Napailing-iling na lang ako nang makita ang kalagayan niya ngayon. "You're such a pain," I said in frustration. I sat down beside her, even letting her head rest on my shoulder.
"Hindi mo man lang naisip na baka may mangyari sa'yong masama at ako ang papatayin ng mga kuya mo kapag nangyari 'yon. Makauwi lang talaga sila, tapos 'tong problema ko " Napahilamos ako ng mukha. I gathered myself up because I'll be taking home a corpse hoping she won't haunt me in my sleep.
🏁
"I have someone sleeping in my room. Mind if I cook something for her first? Promise to take note of all of your lectures later," sabi ko sa aking manager. I already expected he'll show up here after what happened last night at the club. Rumors about me having a girlfriend is already spreading like wildfire.
Matapos kong lutuan si Keira ng pagkain ay saka ako nagtungo ng kwarto. Happy to see she's awake. Hindi na ako nagtagal pa ro'n dahil alam kong may dapat pa akong ayusin. I know she needs her alone time as well. Nang makababa ako ay nagsimula na ang misa. Primo's here, controlling his laugh behind my manager's back.
Wala siyang pakialam sa sermon kundi sa pang-aasar lang sa'kin. Kahit siya rin ay pinapagalitan ngayon. I'm just hoping Keira doesn't hear anything from down here. Gawin niya na lahat ng gusto niya ro'n, 'wag lang muna siya bababa. "I'll make things clear, don't worry," I said as I was looking at the news article on my phone.
Half of Keira's face was seen on the photo but it's kind of blurred. People will still be confused who this was. The first thing I did when my manager left was to make a statement about this rumor. I posted it on every social I have. "Guess like you two have a thing, huh?" Nagsimula na mang-asar si Primo.
"Wala nga. Ikaw siguro nagpakalat nito."
"Hindi ko ipagpapalit ang loyalty card ko sa'yo para lang sa gan'yan, 'no." Tawa niya. "Anyway, training tayo bukas para sa karera mo next year. Just tell me when you'll be busy so we can reschedule, okay?"
"Yes, Liandrei Primo Valdez."
"Good boy." He patted my head like a dog kaya agad kong hinawi ang kanyang kamay. Patawa-tawa siyang lumabas habang naiwan ako ritong nag-aalala para kay Keira. And speaking of, nakababa na siya. Una niyang hinanap ang kanyang phone kaya tinuro ko siya sa isang lamesa malapit sa TV dahil doon ko chinarge.
I was about to tell her about the news circling the internet right when I saw her panicked about something after checking her phone. Seeing her reaction made me fucking worry when I shouldn't be. Wala naman na dapat akong pakialam and yet I ended up driving her to see her friend.
Sa sobrang pag-aalala ko rin ay nakalimutan ko na sabihin hanggang sa maihatid ko na siya sa kanila. I already saw the three familiar cars being parked. She's dead. Bago pa siya tuluyang makapasok sa kanilang bahay ay tinext ko siya muli.
To: Responsibility
Wag mo na uulitin
I laughed seeing her jaw dropped. Mas lalo akong natawa nang replayan niya na 'ko.
From: Responsibility
Got to hell
I looked at her again. She's like a cute cherrybomb ready to explode. I like seeing that. We will be seeing each other in hell if I go there, grumpy curls. I'll see you never.
🏁
[Kenzo: We're back from the business trip. Thank you.]
No, thank you! My whole soul rejoiced when I heard that from the other line. Finally, this whole joke was finally over for me! "No worries," I replied.
[Kenzo: I heard the news about you. About the girl from the club.] He started laughing. At doon napawi ang saya ko nang maalala ko 'yon. Hindi ko na naisip na makikita nga rin pala nilang tatlo 'yon! "What about it?" I calmly asked.
[Kenzo: Congrats. You got a girl.]
Parang may kung anong sumuntok sa t'yan ko na nakapagpakaba sa'kin ng sobra. Agad kong kinontra 'yon. I ended the call matapos niya 'kong asarin. Tinabi ko agad ang phone ko at nahiga, patuloy pa ring pinapakalma ang sarili. "Muntik na 'kong karmahin..." Napasapo ako sa aking noo.
🏁
"Kasalanan mo 'to!" Halos bumuga na siya ng apoy sa mukha ko nang salubungin niya 'ko pagkalabas ng banyo. "Sinumbong mo 'ko kanila kuya!" sabi niya ulit. My, I don't know if dragons really do exist but her being in front of me like this makes me wanna believe I already saw one before.
"I didn't, you silly. Ikaw mismo ang nagpahuli. Naunahan ka pa nila umuwi."
Nang sabihin ko 'yon ay mukhang mas lalo siyang nag-liyab sa galit. To calm the mad and wild dragon down, sinubukan ko siyang yayain. Saktong galing akong training kasama si Primo at Kenzo at gutom na 'ko. Hindi ko na inantay kung sasama ba siya o hindi, basta ako ay mauuna na. Nang makarating ako sa Diner's ay saktong nag-text siya. Wow, didn't know a dragon can type.
From: Responsibility
Libre mo ba ko?
To: Responsibility
Kung ayaw mo edi wag...
On second thought... I erased that message and sent something I know will make her disgust. Gusto ko makita ang mukha niyang kulang na lang ay malukot sa sobra niyang busangot at irita.
🏁
"Not bad, runner up! Whoa!" Primo cheered when I finished an interview. I ran back to my team who were already waiting for me at the sponsor's tent. "Congratulations, kid," my manager greeted as well. Hindi ko na nalapitan pa ang iba nang bigla na lang may humatak sa'kin.
"I'm hell proud of you, bro! We should celebrate!" Gulo niya sa buhok ko. Paborito niya talagang gawin 'to sa'kin.
"I didn't win."
"I told you, win or lose, you did your best and your best deserves something in return. Let's go!" Hatak na niya sa'kin sa labas. Nag-imbita pa siya kaya naman nagsunuran ang iba sa loob ng tent. Agad niya na rin ako iniwas sa maraming tao dahil alam niyang matatagalan kami.
We ended up at a restaurant with our team and sponsors. Ni hindi man lang niya ako pinagbihis. I even smell like shit. The suit's hot kaya grabe ang pawis. Habang may kausap si Primo na waiter ay mayroong lumapit sa'kin na grupo ng mga babae upang magpa-picture. Mayroon ding mga batang lalaki upang manghingi naman ng autograph.
As much as I wanted to entertain them, I'm tired from the race plus the guards already asked them to leave. Saktong dumating na rin ang pagkain namin. "Ayan, kumain ka ng marami. Hindi ka man nanalo ngayon pero panalo ka sa'kin lagi. Other than that, you're still gonna race in Spain. Ibabawi natin 'yon!" Palubag loob sa'kin ni Primo.
I smiled with that thought. Having a crew chief like him made my racing career a little better. Mayamaya'y dumating sina Lolo at Daddy. Mayroon pa silang dalang cake at sinalubong ako na parang bata na magbi-birthday. "You did great, my dear boy! Nosotras estamos orgullosas de ti." Lolo hugged me.
"Gracias, abuelo," I replied saka ko nilingon si Daddy na pinapanood ang karera kanina sa phone ng isang sponsor namin. Ramdam ko ang pag-pigil niya sa kanyang sarili pero kung nasa bahay lang kami ngayon ay baka humihiyaw na siya.
🏁
The dinner treat was fun. All thanks to my crew chief. Sumama sina Lolo sa sponsors pabalik ng tent kaya dalawa na lang kami ni Primo ang naiwan. We decided to have a walk, away from people for a little while. Nang makahanap kami ng medyo tahimik na lugar na hindi kalayuan sa circuit ay saka kami tumambay.
"Tuloy ba tayo sa La Salle next year?" he asked. Like me, he also stopped studying for a while for some reasons. "Kaylan natin balak mag-enroll ulit doon?"
"Maybe after the race in Spain. That'll be the last one for this season. After that we can go back to our lives as college students."
"Gusto ko pa rin mag-marino. Ikaw?"
"I'm still figuring it out."
Tumango-tango siya. "Ga-graduate ng sabay?" He lend his hand.
"Ga-graduate ng sabay." I took his hand, just like doing a pinky promise. At dahil wala naman kaming balak mag-tagal ay nagsimula na kaming maglakad ulit pabalik ng circuit. The path was quiet. I can even hear the crickets. Tahimik lang din kami ni Primo nang sabay naming narinig ang tunog ng isang malakas na putok.
Ipinasawalang-bahala namin iyon no'ng una pero wala pang minuto ang lumipas ay nagsunod-sunod na ang tunog na 'yon. We had no idea where it was coming from and we have no time to figure it out. Nagsimula na kaming tumakbo. We were almost there when Primo got shot.
"Prim!" Agad akong napatigil at inalalayan siya.
"Go! Call for help!"
"I-I can't leave you here!" angal ko. Nang may marinig akong putok ulit ay nilingon ko ang likuran namin. There, I saw two guys wearing a mask with a laurel leaf on it and I bet they're aiming at me now. Dali-dali kong inakay si Primo.
He was trying his best to run with me when he got shot again, thrice. Tuluyan kaming bumagsak sa lupa dahil doon. He's bleeding all over. Sinubukan kong itayo siya muli pero hinawi niya ang kamay ko. "What the fuck are you doing?! We're almost there!"
"You think you can bring us together back there?" His voice started to sound weak. "I'm bleeding like a damn river, you stupid."
"There's still time! Get up!" Sinubukan ko siyang itayo ulit pero tinulak niya ako.
"Look, you call for help and I'll wait here as long as I could. Run now, Joaquin."
"But-" Nakarinig ako ng putok ulit. Nilingon ko iyon at unti-unti nang papalapit ang dalawang lalaki sa pwesto namin.
"Run, you fuck! Leave or both of us will be hopeless."
"Liandrei, please..."
"I trust you, go on..."
I took another glance at those guys before I ran as fast as I could. When I finally reached the tent where everyone was, I went hysterical asking for help. Everyone started to call both police and ambulance when I told them what happened while some went back with me. Primo was still there lying on the grass when I got back. Wala na rin ang iyong dalawang lalaki nang lingunin ko ang paligid.
"Help will be here, Primo." I'm starting to get my hopes back not until he didn't respond. "Primo?" I called him again. "Liandrei, don't play with me." I tried... My hands were shaking when I touched his chest and didn't feel anything.
"Fuck, shit! Primo!" A realization hits me... "Primo, please! Please!" My chest started to feel heavier as I held his hand, hoping cries would wake him up. "Primo, you dumbass..."
Later I heard sirens coming this way. Naramdaman ko na rin ang hawak sa'kin ni Lolo at Daddy palayo sa pwesto na 'yon. Nang makita kong isinakay na siya sa ambulansya ay sinubukan kong lumapit ulit. Lolo and Dad's hands weren't enough to hold me back so the others helped. Realizing Raven was already here.
Dinala na nila ako pabalik sa tent. My grandfather shooed the press away. Si Daddy, kasama ang iba ay nagbantay sa labas. Iyong iba naman ay sumama sa mga pulis upang hanapin ang mga bumaril. Inabutan ako ni Lolo ng tubig pero kahit anong lagok ko ay hindi mawala-wala sa aking isipan ang nangyari. My whole body's shaking with so much fear. "Dominic..." Raven approached.
"Don't tell me to calm down... Don't tell me to fucking calm down!" I almost flipped the tables. "How am I suppose to?! He died!" I pointed outside the tent. Sinabunutan ko ang aking sarili, hindi na mapigilan ang nararamdaman, hindi malaman ang gagawin. I'm still shaking not just with fear but with full of regrets. "I wish I didn't left..."
🏁
"Please, respect my son. Respect my family. Nakikiusap ako sa inyong lahat na pabayaan niyo muna ang anak ko." I heard my dad trying hard not to yell at the press outside the house. I lost someone important just last night and I don't have any energy to entertain stupids. In fact, I will never be comfortable talking about it with everyone. I don't want a single word about what happened.
It took my Dad one hour shooing people away. Saka lang ako bumaba sa kusina para kumuha ng tubig. Nang may marinig akong kumalabog ay napalingon ako agad. It was just our maid being a little clumsy. "P-pasensya na ho," aniya. Tumango lang ako at sinubukang ngumiti. "Be careful next time," I said calmly.
I went back to my room. I'm exhausted but every time I try closing my eyes to sleep, it just gives me flashbacks. Mas lalo ko hindi maiwasang maluha. Ilang beses na rin nila ako inalok kumain pero lahat 'yon ay tinanggihan ko dahil wala akong gana. Kahit laway ay hirap ako lumunok.
I was about to close the windows when I saw a familiar face right in front of our gate. Napataas ang kilay ko nang makita ko siya rito. Napailing na lang ako nang makitang papasukin siya ng guard. Kanina ay wala siyang nagawa dahil sa rami ng mga reporters. Ngayon, hinayaan niya makapasok dahil dalawa na lang 'yan.
"Iba talaga nagagawa ng kapatid ni Kenzo..." Umirap ako at tuluyan nang isinara ang bintana. Sinubukan kong ipikit muli ang aking mga mata pero hindi pa rin ako makatulog. "Damn it... I want my best friend back..." A tear fell again and later that I knew, it won't stop again.
🏁
Sinisilip ko sila Lolo sa sala and when I saw them went to his office that's my cue to go downstairs for a pitcher. I stopped when I saw her friend being left with her phone. "Excuse me," I approached her. Agad niyang ibinaba ang hawak niya.
"Can I ask? What is your friend here for?"
"Ah, si Keira, mag-aapply lang po."
Apply? Huh, doesn't she have any idea? My eyes went down to her friend's hand and saw our business' brochure. I'm sure Keira read about this and saw my name. I know she hates me so there'll be zero chances for her to apply here. Hindi naman siya tanga.
Tumango na lamang ako sa kanyang sinabi. Mayamaya'y sinimulan na niyang umidlip. Kita ko rin naman sa mukha niyang pagod siya. Nang marinig kong bumukas ang opisina ni Daddy ay nagmadali akong umakyat pabalik ng kwarto ko. Hindi na ako nakakuha ng tubig! I don't want her to see me like this, mugto ang mata.
Mayamaya'y umakyat si Daddy dito para i-check ako ulit. Nakaawang ng kaunti ang pinto kaya hindi maiwasang matanaw ko si Keira sa baba. Then there, suddenly a lightning of stupid idea struck me. "Can I escort her to the shop?"
"What? Are you sure? It was like hours ago you don't want to go out from your room."
"I need some air." I forced a smile. Let's just say Primo was still here and he doesn't want to see me locking myself in my room forever. Nag-aalangan pa si Dad pero nakumbinsi ko rin naman but...
"Dad, I need a favor."
"Yes, son?"
"Could you tell her you have an urgent meeting kaya ako ang sasama sa kanya pumuntang Womanscape?"
"Huh? W-ha-why?"
I need to divert my attention at the same time, I miss seeing her face as red as cherries. Gusto ko lang mang-asar. "Well, she's not use to seeing me everyday. She's a fan." Gusto ko na matawa. Kung naririnig niya 'to baka kanina pa siya nasusuka sa mukha ko.
I started fixing myself when Dad left the room and waited for me outside. Nang makatapos ay gano'n nga ang ginawa niya. Sinunod niya ang sinabi ko. As expected from Keira, she's so disappointed to see me in front of her again. Wala na siyang magagawa. After all, I will be her boss soon and she'll be seeing this face for the rest of her working days.
🏁
I'd been getting myself badly drunk in the middle of the night for three days straight. Good thing that I don't have any school to worry about for the next day. I found myself walking to Keira's bedroom. I can't open mine and I don't know where I left my keys for it.
I wanted to lay down so bad and this was the earliest I finished my drinking session in the pool. Nang makarating na ako sa kanyang kwarto ay agad ko nang inihiga ang aking sarili. Bahay ko naman 'to, sa totoo lang kaya bakit hindi?
Panay siya agaw sa'kin ng unan kaya siya na lang ang niyakap ko. Hindi ko na kayang makipag-away sa kanya ngayon dahil nahihilo na ako. Ang gusto ko na lang ay mag-pahinga. Kapag okay na 'ko ulit ay pwede na kaming mag-wrestling.
I didn't make her move yet it surprised me that she stayed in my arms. Our heads were so near each other that I could already smell the sweet scent of her hair. I played with it. It was damn soft and it made me feel relaxed by just touching it.
I wonder why she didn't even bother to push me away this time. I checked her and found out she was already asleep.
I smiled when I saw her peacefully dreaming in my arms. I pulled her closer, positioned her head on my chest so she could have two pillows. "You're not allergic to hugs after all I guess. Only when you're asleep." I continued playing with her soft curls. Hanggang sa namalayan ko na lang na hindi na ako inaantok.
Inayos ko na siya sa kanyang pagkakahiga saka ako bumangon. "Bait mo 'pag tulog," sabi ko na para bang maririnig niya. Kinumutan ko na rin at inayos ang lamig ng aircon bago tuluyang nag-tungo sa pool area. Saktong pagkababa ko ay dumating si Raven na may dalang susi.
"Kung ako hindi nakakalakad 'pag lasing, ikaw burara ka," aniya sabay abot sa'kin.
"Thanks. You can go now."
Taka niya akong tinignan. "Pinapaalis mo na agad ako?"
I didn't answer him and started escorting him to the door. "Istorbo ka," iyon na lang ang nasabi ko. Maingay kaming dalawa kapag magkasama at ayokong magising ang dragon sa taas. "May hindi ba ako alam?" Tigil niya sa pinto.
"May natutulog akong alaga rito. 'Wag kang magulo."
"Is that-"
"No," I denied immediately. Of course he wasn't that dumb to believe it. He knows about the kiss that had happened at the club between me and Keira. Well, he knows everything about me, almost everything. Lalakad na sana ako pabalik sa pool pero napatigil saglit nang mag-text siya.
From: Raven
Kamusta mo na lang
ako kay Keira
To: Raven
ok
From: Raven
HAHAHAHAHAHA
I KNEW IT
you're in trouble
To: Raven
fuck u
Napailing na lang ako sa mga pinagsasasabi niya at sinimulan nang tumambay. Nilalamon na naman ako ng mga iniisip ko. I started playing with the smoke coming from my vape to distract myself when I heard a voice suddenly speak to me. I was so occupied that I didn't even notice her or feel that she was coming.
Unexpected conversation suddenly became a thing. Didn't know she had a soft side. Ganito siguro ang nangyayari kapag masarap ang tulog niya. If so, I guess I did a great job playing with her hair like a kitty, then. "Pwede rin namang ako na lang ang maging crew chief mo," banggit niya na akala mo'y hindi kami aso't-pusa tuwing nagkikita.
"Please, tell me you're joking." But she wasn't really! She's so determined to be one. Panay ako tanggi dahil sigurado akong hindi ako makaka-focus. We might just be arguing in the middle of the race. Until she opened up a deal to convince me more. And it did.
She's really into challenges, I think that's the first one I like about her now...
🏁
"Where the hell is she?" I started calling her cell but all I heard was the woman saying she cannot be reached. It's already two fucking AM. Mabuti na lang din pala ay hindi ako nag-luto ng hapunan namin dahil mamumuti ang mata ko kahihintay sa kanyang umuwi.
I tried contacting her again but it's the same damn woman's voiceover all over again. "Oh, fuck her!" I throw my phone on the couch when I suddenly heard the door from downstairs. Wala na akong ibang kasama pa rito kundi siya lang. Umuuwi rin ang mga kasambahay namin kapag alas sais na ng gabi.
I walked out the room and saw her getting her way to the kitchen. "This crazy responsibility of mine..." I followed her and cut her sneakiness. I know she likes challenges. My patience is being challenged, too.
"D'yan ka lang nag-inom? Kung d'yan lang, bakit alas dos ka na ng umaga nakauwi? At wala ka man lang pasabi? Again, Keira Denise, where the hell have you been?"
"D'yan lang sa Quezon, sa condo ng kaibigan ko," she answered confidently like there's no point in me worrying because she's damn freaking alive. She's really getting in my nerves. Just good heavens I was blessed with long patience.
I don't care if she can handle herself drunk. She's living under my roof and it's my job to keep her safe whether she likes it or not. Kung ano man ang mangyari sa kanya, sa bahay ko man o sa labas, ay ako ang mananagot dahil sa akin siya ipinagkatiwala. Paano ko ba ipapaintindi sa kanya 'yon kung palaging matigas ang ulo niya?
"Hindi ka nagpaalam sa'kin. Iyon ang ikinakagalit ko. Paano kung may mangyaring masama sa'yo habang nakainom ka?"
"Bakit ako magpapaalam sa'yo? Ano tayo, magjowa?" At hindi niya man lang pinansin ang huli kong sinabi. Okay, fine. Napangisi na lang ako sa kanyang sinagot. Imbis na uminit pa ang ulo ay naisipan kong pag-tripan na lang siya.
"We already kissed. Isn't that what couples do?" I teased. Mas lalo akong napangisi nang matalo ko siya ro'n. Wala kaming patutunguhan kung magsasagutan lang kami magdamag. Well, like what I'd said before, hindi niya ako kuya pero hindi uubra ang katigasan ng ulo niya sa'kin.
🏁
As a part of our agreement, she became my crew chief, still wondering why she doesn't want me to quit, though. Dinala ko siya sa Dash Racing Circuit at nagsimula ulit but got interrupted when someone I hate - no, we both do, arrived.
"Oh, wow, it's indeed a small world for us, Joaquin," Jayson started the converstion which I know wouldn't be good the moment he insulted Keira in front of me. Hindi na ako nakapagpigil at sinalubong na ng kamao ko ang mukha niya. I always wanted to do that.
Gusto ko pa siyang birahin pero inawat na ako ni Keira. I don't care if he'll be needing surgery after I break his face if ever. I can pay for that, only if I wanted to. Keira might be someone I know who'll be the death of me but I won't let any guy treat her like trash. I swear to all saints... I just won't...
Ngayon ko lang din siya nakitang nanlambot ng ganito. I wonder where that feisty little dragon spirit go? "As long as I'm here..." I don't know why I am saying this now. "I won't let things like that get that close again, especially to you."
🏁
Sometimes we betray ourselves unexpectedly especially when realizations start hitting you like someone's pouring a cold water on your face to wake you up. I don't know when this kind of feeling started. I'm not even sure if this was really serious or it's just my mind playing with me.
But no, both head and heart were agreeing at something I can't explain. I don't know when and where it happened. When and where did it started to feel like this? Was it because of the first time we kissed? No, ang babaw. But I'm sure that it could explain why I'm always worried about not seeing her even for like a minutes. Worried when she's always out of my sight.
The night before we went to Intramuros kept on flashing before my eyes when I'm playing with my glass of wine. When our eyes met for a little while after I carried her down the benches... It was something I can't put into words.
Minsanan na rin akong gumagawa ng paraan para makasama ko siya. Katulad ng pag-pintura niya sa kotse kong si Lykan na kung tutuusin ay kaya ko namang gawin. I got amused when she thought it was a girl I was talking about, lol. And it does sound crazy admitting that I'm a bit jealous of my cousin! Just fuck it!
"No falling in love confessions..." I will gladly let her punch me straight in the eye now. "Don't worry, I choose peace." And that turned out to be the biggest lie I ever said! Worries start here and I probably won't get any peace. Raven was right. I'm in trouble.
🏁
[Keira: Nanlalalaki ako! 'Wag kang magulo!] And she ended the call. I didn't flew back here from Spain just to see no one. Para akong iniwan ng asawa habang dala ang anak namin dahil ang laki ng kasalanan ko. Gano'n ang pakiramdam. I tried contacting her again but she's cannot be reach! She's always doing this!
I went to her Instagram and lucky me found out she was at the club. Hindi talaga siya pumapalyang ilagay ang location niya lagi kaya madali ko siyang nahahanap. The level of me worrying went down to 20% and the 80 left was 'what the fuck is this feeling about her busy kissing guys at the club'?
I rushed to the place and glad it wasn't that far. "S-sir Joaquin!" gulat ni Agatha nang makita ako. She was holding two drinks, obviously the other one is Keira's. "Where is she?" I tried to stay calm, hoping she won't answer that her best friend's was really with some dude.
Imbis na magsalita ay itinuro niya lamang ako sa direksyon kung saan ang girl's restroom saka ako nagtungo ro'n. Palinga-linga siya sa paligid, mukhang hinahanap ngayon si Agatha. Lasing na 'to dahil hindi niya na alam pabalik sa pwesto nila kanina. I grabbed her arm the moment I reach her. "You made me fucking worried about you!"
Keira Denise, you are so dead.
Pagkauwing sa bahay ay misa agad ang nangyari. But of course, listening wasn't really in her vocabulary but kissing to make me shut up does. "Ang ingay mo," her last words before passing out. Para akong nakikipag-usap sa hangin kung magpapatuloy pa 'ko. I had no choice but to carry her to her room. "I'll give that kiss back, you wait, " I said before I left.
🏁
Neck, lips, curves, little whimpers, chest, hands getting a little naughty, hot and thirsty. Seducing... Seductive... Sexy...
I'm not a fan of revenge unless it's Keira fucking Monteza. I'd been thinking a lot about what she said before, what are my thoughts about fuck buddies... Well, I thought of it carefully and by that I became more prepared. Trying it for the first time couldn't hurt, right? Well, for me it doesn't. It damn felt like a taste of heaven instead.
And that very moment, I am so sure of myself that I want it, too. It was also the start of our thing. She's indeed wild but twice in bed, making you beg for more only if she won't shake after rough pillowtalks. At nadala namin iyon hanggang Barcelona... I guess that was the memorable one for me. Well, every ride, though.
🏁
Everything's going so much nicer than I ever expected, smooth sailing if I was on a boat. Well, that's what I thought not until my cousin walked in the room exactly after I showered. I felt a little fresh since Keira and I just finished our thing while this blood related human in front of me looked like he lost a game.
"We need to go back," seryosong bungad niya sa'kin kaya napataas ako ng kilay. "I thought you want to stay longer?" I replied while putting on my shirt. It was his first time being here so what's with the change of hearts? Plus, I have plans to show him around the place. Iba pa ang plano ko para sa amin ni Keira.
"How can I stay longer here when my relatives are missing back there?" Saka niya iniharap ang phone niya sa'kin at may pinakitang balita. Napatigil ako sa pagbabasa nang marating ko ang gitna ng artikulo.
"... Along with the list of missing people, famous car racer Joaquin De Vera's family are cannot be found..."
Mahaba pa iyon pero hindi ko na tinapos basahin. Is that why they haven't come home since then? Napaupo ako sa higaan kasabay ang pag-bigat ng aking dibdib. "It can't be..." Dahan-dahan akong napasabunot sa aking sarili.
"Set aside the plans for now. Rescuers are on the move and we need to go back and help them. It's your family we're talking about, Joaquin."
Napatingin ako sa labas ng terrace at doon ay tanaw ko si Keira na payapang naglalakad sa pool area. I know how much she wanted to see more of Barcelona... "You need to talk to her. I know she'll understand." Tingin din ni Raven doon. Mayamaya'y bumalik na siya sa kanyang kwarto at sinabing sisimulan niya nang mag-impake.
The news made my knees weak. Hindi na rin maganda ang ikot ng sikmura ko na para bang kahit anong oras ay gusto kong bumagsak muna. I gathered myself up, setting aside the tears I want to shred right now. May pumatak na luha sa lalim na ng aking iniisip pero hindi ko hinayaang umagos. I can't face her like this...
Naghilamos muna ako bago tuluyang babain si Keira sa pool area. It was so lovely to see her just enjoying the view of the place and I don't want to ruin it. I decided not to tell her about it. Ayokong dagdagan ang iisipin niya kung sakali. Besides, why would she care anyway? She have nothing to do with my personal issues.
🏁
After knowing about the news about my family being missing, it was also the start of my exhausting days and nights. Hindi ko na rin naaabutan si Keira. Our schedules don't meet like it did before. But trust me, I'm always trying to see her awake when I got home.
"4 a.m. tomorrow," ani Raven nang maihatid ako sa tapat ng gate nila Keira. I'm so exhausted, getting a little hopeless. Tumango na lamang ako sa kanyang sinabi saka siya tuluyan na ring umalis. I'm standing in front of her house, hoping it's not too late to apologize not being around for so long.
Si Kean ang nag-bukas ng gate para sa'kin at pinatuloy ako sa sala. They're on taekwondo training and I'm so glad he let me use a little of his time to talk to his sister. Akala ko no'ng una ay magiging maayos kung wala siya sa tabi ko dahil natatakot ako na baka hindi ko siya maasikaso habang abala ako sa paghahanap. I was wrong...
"I'm sorry... Keira... Umuwi ka na ulit sa mansyon. Umuwi ka na sa'kin. Parang mas mababaliw ako kapag wala ka sa tabi ko." I needed her. I always needed her.
Naging maayos ang lahat, bumalik sa dati hanggang dumating ang araw ng laban niya para sa Palarong Pambansa. It's my turn to watch her compete and nothing melts my heart more seeing her doing the techniques and moves I taught her. "That's my little grumpy baby right there," I whispered to myself, not being able to control the proud smiles I have for her.
🏁
"Antayin lang po natin ang iba nating kasama tapos pwede na po tayo umalis," sabi sa'kin ng isang police officer saka nagpatuloy ulit sa pag-kuha ng mga reports tungkol sa nangyari sa mga bangkay na nasa harap namin ngayon. Tumango lamang ako saka nilingon ang gilid ko.
I started to panic when I didn't saw Keira beside me. Ni hindi ko rin naramdaman na bumitaw na pala siya sa'kin. "Nasaan ka na naman?" mahina kong sambit sa sarili nang simula ko siyang hanapin. Hanggang sa matagpuan ko siya malapit sa lighthouse at may kausap na pulis. Malayo pero malinaw sa paningin kong may itsura ang kaharap niya. Just... What the fuck?
Pero mamaya na 'yon. Kaylangan ko muna siyang sunduin doon. "Keira, papatayin mo ba 'ko sa nerbyos?" Halos lumabas ang puso ko sa kaba kanina no'ng hindi ko siya nakita sa tabi ko. This beach was too big at ayaw kong pati siya ay masama sa mga nawawala. Hindi ko kakayanin baka tuluyan na talaga akong masiraan ng ulo.
Tumango lang siya sa sinabi ko pero ang atensyon niya ay naroon pa rin sa lighthouse. Ano bang mayroon do'n? "Crush mo 'yong pulis?" tanong ko na. There, it caught her attention. Minura niya pa 'ko. Doon na rin nagsimula ang away namin ngayong araw. The moment she reached our service vehicle, she immediately sat at the back at isiniksik ang sarili ro'n. Hindi ako nag-patinag at tumabi pa rin sa kanya.
"You'll be the death of me," iyon na lang ang nasabi ko...
Hanggang sa makauwi na lang kami ay hindi niya pa rin ako kinikibo. Hindi ko kayang matulog ngayon habang ganito kami. Bilib talaga ako sa tibay niya dahil nakakayanan niyang mag-panisan kami ng laway. Sabagay, pakialam niya ba kung magkaaway kami?
Pero siya na 'yon, magkaiba kami. Kung kaya niya, pwes, ako nanghihina na. I tried approaching her and glad it worked out. Muntikan nga lang akong madulas sa nararamdaman ko. Hindi niya pwedeng malaman na mayroon...
We ended up having a round after that argument. As always, she's always the one to surrender. Well, every out was worth it after all. "Why? You love me?" And things like this happen always in the middle of our conversation. I was almost caught off guard but I got away immediately, "Platonically," I continued.
If only she knew how she's already driving me nuts... I'm still holding on to what she said, "No love confessions", but that was before and I guess holding back something has limits, too. And I apologize for breaking that one rule...
"I don't think I can still hold this for too long," I said, so ready to shout - if only I could - this feeling I'd kept for so long. I never planned to confess but it feels like there's a clock in me ticking - ticking for chances or ticking for regrets. "Keira, I like you," and there I finally said it! I expected us to go our separate ways after it since I see no hope for us. But it surprised me that nothing really bad happened, only a start of something different between us.
🏁
"Joaquin, glad to see you," Mrs. Caroline Sejima greeted, an architect friend of our family from Japan. Together with Mrs. Norma Griffin from Canada, they showed me their designs for the upcoming renovation of Womanscape from our other branch aside in Manila. Ito lang din ang araw na sumaktong libre kaming lahat kaya ngayon lang kami nakapag-usap.
Hindi rin naman gano'n na nag-tagal ang meeting namin dahil may iba rin silang pupuntahan. We had a little friendly lunch before going back to our own lives. Bago ko simulan mag-drive ay nag-text muna ako kay Keira. I waited for a reply but I got none this time. I bet she's busy. To make sure she got my message, I texted Mrs. Risma.
From: Mama
o sige anak... sbhan ku na lng c Eia na ppnta ka...
To: Mama
Thank you po. Kapag
may gagawin po siya ngayong araw ay tutulungan ko siya
From: Mama
swerte tlaga n Eia sau anak...
I smiled after receiving her text. So am I, Mama. Pagkatapos ay dumiretso na ako sa Womanscape para i-check iyon. So far, it has a great process. A big thank you to the engineers and architects.
"You can take a break," I said to the guy with a buzz cut and handed him all the snacks I brought for them. Pansin ko rin na siya ang laging pinakaunang dumadating sa lugar na 'to at siya rin palagi ang nagpapahuli. He seems much more hardworking than I thought.
After a long day, I went home and fix myself again to meet her. Tinawagan ko siya para ipaalam na pupunta na 'ko pero hindi niya sinagot. Kahit text ay gano'n din. "Weird." I saw she was online a while ago. Nakapaglagay pa siya ng pictures nila ni Agatha sa Instagram story niya and yet she's not answering me. Is she... ignoring me now?
🏁
From: Mama
gising p Eia anak... mag kaaway
b kau??
To: Mama
Hindi ko po sigurado...
From: Mama
ndi ka b nia pinapansin?
lokang bata...
Natawa ako saglit sa kasunod niyang text bago ako mag-reply. Hindi na 'ko nag-sinungaling, hindi niya talaga ako pinapansin.
From: Mama
osige nak... punta k p rin d2...
kausapin ko Eia...
To: Mama
Okay po. Thank you mama
<3
From: Mama
welcome nak...
At gano'n nga ang nangyari. I saw the lights in her room were still on when I arrived. Good thing there's pebbles to help me get her attention. I didn't use the doorbell. Baka naroon ang mga kapatid niya at mag-taka kung bakit ako narito ng ganitong oras.
To: Responsibility
Can i climb in?
Finally, she saw me. The moment she sent me a 'like' emoji I started climbing up the tree near her terrace. The branches were really helpful giving me an entrance like that. "You're ignoring me," I went straight to the point. The conversation starts and her answers were shocking me like what the heck did I do to make her curls wanted to choke me to death?
"Stop fooling around. Wala akong oras makipag-lokohan sa'yo," sabi niya muli na mas lalong nakapagpagulo sa aking isipan. Lokohan? Saan 'yon nanggagaling? "What's going on?" I asked again, stopping her to go to bed. I won't let any situation like this slide. No one's sleeping until we fix this.
Nakipag-matigasan pa siya sa'kin hanggang sa tuluyan niya na ring sabihin, "Nagseselos ako dahil gusto kita!" There, now we're really talking. Akala ko ay tatalon na ako palabas sa bintana at uuwing hindi alam kung bakit siya nagkakaganyan. Kahit naman sabihin kong hindi ko na siya ulit kikitain matapos ang gabing 'to, kasinungalingan 'yon.
"You do?" I wanted to hear it again pero ayaw niya nang ulitin pa. Fine with me. At least I heard it clearly and it started echoing in my head. How sweet of a melody that mad and jealous voice was. Okay, Keira Denise, I think now we're even.
🏁
"Are your brothers' free on Friday?"
"Bakit?"
"Ipapaalam kita ng maayos."
And so I did. Nang matapos kong asikasuhin ang renovation ng Womanscape ay dumiretso ako sa kanila upang ipaalam siya. Ginawan pa ako ni Kel ng kontrata. "Patunay 'to na payag kang managot habangbuhay kapag may nangyaring hindi maganda kay Kulot," aniya sabay abot sa'kin ng glitter pen. Color pink pa.
"Where'd you get this?" I laughed.
"Ah, binili ko 'yan," parang nahihiya niya pang sagot. Tumango na lamang ako saka pumirma.
"Please, keep my sister safe," Keanu said after I signed. Tumango ako ulit. "You can trust me," sagot ko. Saka ako inaya ni Kenzo sa kwarto ni Keira upang i-impake ang mga kaylangan niya. Tumulong din si Mrs. Risma. Pagkatapos ay si Kel ang sumama sa'kin magdala ng mga gamit ni Keira sa sasakyan. Saktong nakasalubong ko pa.
Keanu wanted to talk with her for a while before we go off on our trip. Tanaw ko silang dalawa sa may bintana at kita kong seryoso ang mga mukha nila. Hope they're not having a lecture. Mayamaya'y lumabas na rin si Keira at malapad ang ngiti nang salubungin ako.
🏁
"What are your thoughts about courtship?"
"Minsan, consistent at totoo. Minsan, mapanlinlang at kalokohan." Her answer was different. Others will say it's sweet. I'd been thinking about it carefully since. As much as I could, I want it slowly and gentle. There's still something I wanted to say but a shooting star caught her attention. Tumayo siya at pumikit upang humiling doon.
I really love seeing her like this... That letting herself just to be herself. A carefree one.
"Did you make one?" she asked when she opened her eyes.
"You. It has always been you, Keira, since then..." There, I realized, as time passes by, hindi na lang 'to pagkagusto sa kanya. Mayroong mas malalim pa...
🏁
"I haven't decided which course will I take. Siguro kapag nakapili na ako ng talagang gusto ko... There, I'll continue my studies." I suddenly remembered Primo. We always wanted to continue back at La Salle after finishing the season in Spain. I felt a little ache in my chest when I remembered that night was our last racing together.
But Primo, we made it. We won. Nabawi natin sa Espanya. Minsan naiisip ko, if Keira was sent by him. Naglakad-lakad kami pagkatapos tumambay sa tapat ng bonfire. Nang mapansin kong inaantok na siya ay saka ko siya niyayang bumalik ng villa. She fell asleep so fast that it gave me time to finish the hairband I'm making.
It was Keira's old season hairband. Habang nag-iimpake kami ng mga gamit niya at nakita ko ito, Mrs. Risma told me it was her favorite hair accessory. Hiningi ko iyon dahil nakaisip ako ng pwedeng gawin. It was supposed to be designed only with flowers but then I saw the shells. I'm okay not sleeping the whole night for something kaya natapos ko rin agad ang paggawa sa hairband niya.
Sorry, Keira. You won't be driving.
You chill in the passenger seat as always, princess.
🏁
It's been a long time since she left us when our family needed someone and stepped back in like she just went from a vacation. Alva De Vera, may the tables will turn for you at sa mga oras na mangyari 'yon, hindi na kita kilala.
Naiwan si Keira sa labas at nang dalawa na lang kami ngayon ang magkaharap ay mas lalong uminit ang bawat binibitawan naming salita. "Stop acting like you're better than me!" she raised her voice.
"Well, I am, Tita," mariin kong sabi. "Dahil hinding-hindi ako gagaya sa'yo! Hinding-hindi ko hahayaan ang pamilya ko lalong-lalo na sa gitna ng pag-lubog nila. I know how to take care of a family, unlike you."
Ayoko na siyang marinig na magsalita. Ang kapal pa ng mukha niyang gamitin ang opisina ng tatay ko ngayon. Wala siyang utang na loob, wala siyang pakialam sa nangyayari. She was hell selfish kaya hindi ko alam kung bakit siya rin ang hinayaan ni Daddy na tumayo bilang ina para sa'kin nang mawala si Mommy.
Won't lie, I expected a lot from her but ended up disappointed as always. Siguro dahil bata pa ako no'n at nangungulila sa aruga ng isang totoong nanay. If mom was still here that time, she wouldn't let our business' go bankrupt. At no'ng mga oras na lumubog kami, this witch was nowhere to be found when she even promised us something big.
I was about to walk out from my Dad's office when she said something that made me stop. "You know how to take care of a family, huh? Then explain how they ended up dead." Mayroon siyang inihagis na dyaryo sa paanan ko na agad kong kinuha.
"Bodies of Mayor Isaiah De Vera and Sr. Harris De Vera, found dead at a Lighthouse in Cagayan..."
Unti-unting nalukot ang gilid ng dyaryo dahil sa aking mahigpit na pagkakahawak. Parang tumigil saglit ang oras kasabay ng kamay kong nanginginig matapos mabasa ang headlines. Heavy breathing started. Napasandal ako sa pinto, pilit na inaalis ang sa aking isipan ang nabasa.
"Ano, Joaquin? Mukhang sa sobrang dalas niyo magsama ng nobya mo, nakalimutan mo nang may pamilya kang nawawala. At sasabihin mo sa'kin you're better than me? You're still careless. Kaya ka nawalan ng-"
"Stop it!" Umayos ako ng tayo muli. "Don't you dare continue your sentence! You don't know anything about my mom, Alva."
Her jaw dropped after calling her only by her name. Dahilan na rin iyon ng kanyang pag-lapit at sinampal ako. "I won't let your disrespect slide this time. Kung wala lang 'yang girlfriend mo-"
"Don't bring Keira into this conversation," I threatened.
"Or what?" She crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Don't cross lines with me, Joaquin. You don't know what I'm capable of." That was her last words before leaving the office.
"And you don't know me, too, Tita Alva. You just don't."