A FEW boxes of chocolates and a bouquet of roses placed on the table made Lorelei stop in her tracks as she entered the empty clubroom. If Freya didn't rub her body against Lorelei's leg, Lorelei's mind would still be processing what date it is today and what particular event is happening at the moment.
Sinong nagdala ng mga 'yon at para kanino? Mukhang masyado namang napaaga ang Valentine's Day, she thought as she saw in the clubroom's calendar that today's February 3.
"Meow," Freya purred. Nang marinig ni Lori 'yon, umupo siya at hinimas-himas ang ulo ni Freya bago ito kinarga.
"Nakita mo ba ang iba, Freya? Napadaan ba sila dito?" Malambing na pagkakatanong niya. Freya answered "meow" that meant "no".
"Weird," Lorelei wondered as she puts Freya on the floor. Alam niyang sa mga oras na ito, Loki would be supposedly on his usual seat, nakapatong ang mga siko sa armrest ng upuan at ipinagdidikit ang mga daliri habang may iniisip. Jamie would, well, stick to Loki as always. Baka nga aayain na naman niya itong maglaro ng mga board games, especially chess. And Alistair would just take a seat and watch.
But today, they're not around.
Napakibit-balikat na lang siya. Baka may dinaanan pa sila. Maybe it's not bad to be late every once in a while.
Lumapit na lang si Lorelei sa table dala ng kuryosidad at isa-isang chineck ang mga boxes na may iba't ibang kulay at sukat. Her lips formed into an O when she noticed that those chocolates are all branded. Nakita niyang may isang piraso ng pink sticky note na nakadikit sa isa sa mga boxes at nakasulat dito ang isang "FOR LOKI DEAR."
At that moment, she immediately knew where those gifts came from. Jamie, no doubt. Sulat-kamay pa lang, halata na.
Hindi na niya ito masiyadong binigyang pansin dahil sa tuwing naaalala niya si Jamie, all suspicions she had of her pops in her mind, at ayaw niya munang pag-isipan ang mga 'yon dahil mababaliw lang siya. Ibinaling na lang niya ang kaniyang atensyon kay Freya na kasalukuyang inaamoy-amoy ang nasa loob ng mga kahon.
Sa ginagawa ng pusa, biglang naalala ni Lori ang reaksyon nito sa tuwing nakikita nito si Jamie at ang iba pang mga taong masyadong kaduda-duda. From a cute, fluffy, and seemingly harmless feline, it would transform into a small wild beast, ready to attack their prey.
Freya's no ordinary cat, Lorelei knows.
Now that she thought of it, Freya can sense that Jamie has something up in her sleeves. What could it be?
Umupo na lang siya sa isang monobloc chair at kinuha ang kaniyang cellphone para aliwin ang sarili habang wala pa sila. 12:30 P.M. pa lang naman. Hindi pa end of the world kahit hindi sila dumating.
Kung anu-anong sites na ang napuntahan niya dala ng pagka-bored at ilang articles na ang mga nabasa niya. What caught her attention the most is the case of Elisa Lam – the girl who mysteriously disappeared and was found in a water tank in a hotel after a month, already dead.
Her brows furrowed as she continued reading. Masyado siyang na-hook sa binabasa na hindi niya namalayang may pumasok na pala sa clubroom.
"Reading case files?"
Hearing that deep voice startled Lorelei a bit.
"Oh, Loki, nandito ka na pala," she said after heaving a sigh. Akala na niya kasi kung sino na.
"No, this man talking to you right now is just a living mannequin."
Lorelei chose not to mind that sarcastic remark of him and continued scanning her phone. After a couple of swipes, the club president spoke again.
"The death of Elisa Lam, I see. That explains your "confused" expression," sabi ni Loki nang mapadaan sa likuran ni Lori.
Sinundan ni Lorelei ng tingin si Loki na umupo na sa kaniyang swivel chair. He placed his elbows on the table, intertwined his fingers, and leaned forward a bit.
Hindi pa niya pinansin ang mga boxes ng chocolates.
Sasabihan na sana ni Lori si Loki ang tungkol sa mga regalo ni Jamie nang maunahan siya nito sa pagsasalita.
"I read about that case before." His voice became deeper than usual. Naging mas seryoso ang atmosphere. "It's still a mystery to everyone how it was done and who did it, even until now."
Lorelei had no choice but to listen to what he's about to say.
"There are a lot of theories regarding this case. One of those is murder. If that was what really had happened, I could say it is neatly done, yet the autopsy reports are clean, cause of death was drowning. "
"Just like what I have read just now," Lorelei commented and Loki continued.
"Suicide because of psychological reasons or hallucinations was what the majority also say, but this is a weak argument also. Her toxicology reports states that she didn't take hallucinogens despite what the CCTV footage of her is showing. Though she has medications for her bipolarity, that wasn't the reason why she resorted to suicide, if ever," Loki stated.
"Nasa rooftop ang water tank at nabasa ko na hindi basta-bastang nakakapunta doon ang mga residents ng hotel na tinutuluyan niya. Nang matagpuan ang bangkay niya, the tank was completely closed," Lorelei added. "Hindi naman siguro niya kayang buksan ang isang malaking water tank gamit ang kaniyang sariling mga kamay tapos ikulong ang sarili niya doon. That would be supernatural."
Loki nodded. "Some say that was because of paranormal activity, but I am crashing that possibility out. That's just absurd."
"This is one weird case." Lorelei can't help but to be surprised. "Kanina ko pa pinapanood ang CCTV footage kung saan siya huling nakita and it's creepy that it seemed like she's talking to someone."
"Maybe there is something that the surveillance camera didn't catch?" Alistair finally chimed in.
It's been a while since he arrived, and he didn't mind greeting them just to let them know that he has stepped inside the room. He just watched the two conversing about that case. It also got his attention too, that's why he chose to be silent for a moment.
Lorelei just turned to her phone to check on more articles. "I feel sorry for the family. What are your own insights about this, Loki?"
"I cannot tell until I have my evidences. Sherlock Holmes said, it is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgment."
"HISS!"
Agad silang napatingin kay Freya nang marinig 'yon.
Jamie's eyes widened as she opened the door, letting out a small shriek. She didn't think the cat would welcome her in such manner.
"Freya, you don't do that to your mommy! Bad, kitty, bad!"
Freya continued hissing, mukhang mas lalo pang nainis sa sinabi nito. Her sharp claws are already showing off, and any minute now...
"That's enough, Freya."
In a snap, the cat calmed down, pero hindi ibig sabihin n'on ay bati na sila ni Jamie. Lumapit na lang si Freya kay Loki – na tanging nagpahinto sa kaniya – at tumalon sa lap nito.
Mukhang hindi talaga sila magkakabati kahit anumang mangyari.
"Jeez, she really hates me, huh?" Jamie pouted.
Her expression made Loki silent for a moment.
Truth be told, her resemblance to his late companion distracts him – especially her braided hair dangling on her shoulders – that he can't even look at her in the eye. His feelings whenever he sees her are indescribable. Maybe it's just that he misses his old companion who once made his dull life colorful for a moment. He just misses his only friend that once gave him the excitement and, maybe, joy. He misses the only woman he laid his eyes on.
But there's one thing for sure: such feelings shouldn't take over him while uncovering the truth in cases he solve.
In the end, he chose not to reply. Napatingin na lang siya sa mga box ng chocolates sa harap niya, finally noticing it.
"Loooki~" Jamie hugged him from the back of his chair in a flash. Freya, surprised, leaped away and hissed at her again from a distance. Inilayo na lang ni Lorelei ang pusa para iwas gulo.
"Do you like them? You know, I personally picked them just for you! Happy Valentine's, Loki dear!" she cheerfully said.
Lorelei and Alistair do not know how to react upon noticing that Jamie's sweetness level is above usual. They just stared at the two "lovebirds" unbelievingly.
"This bouquet is also from you?" Loki said, not answering Jamie's previous question.
"Uhm, no. Nakita ko lang 'yan sa tapat ng pinto. I decided to bring that inside together with the chocolates, baka ipinapabigay kay kung sinuman sa ating apat. I didn't check if there's a card along with it because I was in a hurry."
"Saan ka pala nanggaling?" tanong ni Lorelei na may pagdududa while Alistair took the chance to check the roses. Jamie just glanced at Lorelei for a while before turning to Loki who's now holding a red card.
1 PM. Rooftop. I'll be waiting.
-Ms. X
All eyes are on Loki who didn't look interested on what they just read, as expected. Lorelei can imagine him complaining in his mind about the lame codename.
"The penmanship's familiar though," Jamie said. "Parang sa dating ka-member ko sa repertory club–" She paused for a moment. "Oh, it really is hers!"
Her eyes suddenly sparkled as if she had seen the most amazing thing in the world, which they find weird, for they have only seen this side whenever she's with "her Loki".
Nang maramdaman ni Jamie ang mga na-c-curious na mga mata ng mga miyembro – maliban kay Loki – agad siyang ngumiti na parang may inaalala.
"She's my senior in my previous club. Siya 'yung isa sa mga members na nakakasunduan ko. It's like she's my older sister. But... we have met earlier already." Kumunot ang noo niya.
"Exactly when and where?" tanong bigla ni Loki.
"12:17 P.M. sa canteen."
"What time is it now?"
Lorelei turned to the wall clock. "1:03 na."
Lumingon si Alistair kay Jamie at nagtanong, "May sinabi ba siya sa 'yo kanina na problema o kung anuman?"
"Well... she did mention something about her being watched," she answered as she curled the loose strands of her hair with her index finger. "She said she's feeling that way since Wednesday."
Like a slideshow, pumasok sa isip ni Lorelei ang mga panahong baguhan pa lang siya dito sa Clark High at nagkaroon siya ng stalker, pati na rin 'yung stalker ni Jamie dati sa previous club na sinalihan niya.
"Should we check this one out?" Alistair asked.
"I guess we could-"
"We should." Jamie stood still, firmly saying those words. "Rian is someone who doesn't get troubled easily. Nang makausap ko siya kanina, nakikita ko sa mga mata niya na nangangamba siya." She then turned Loki's swivel chair, facing her. "Loki, I know Rian. If she can handle it, she won't be needing help. And look..." Kinuha niya ang card tsaka ipinakita kay Loki habang tinuturo ang X. "I remember you saying that X can also mean target. Won't that mean someone's after her life?"
Fear is evident in her voice, kaya naman natahimik ang lahat.
Hindi diretsong makatingin si Loki sa mga mata niyang nag-aalala. For some reasons, it reminded him of Rhea's innocent face. Those moments he had with her replayed in his mind like a movie he won't ever get tired of. All of a sudden, the death of Rhiannon flashed in his mind, returning him back to the reality.
"Loki, can we check this out? Please?"
The hint of worry on Jamie's face made the club president finally decide aside from the fact that boredom is slowly suffocating him.
~*~
Naabutan nila ang isang babaeng nakasandal sa railings nang makarating silang apat sa rooftop. Kapansin-pansin ang kaniyang mahabang buhok na abot sa kaniyang baywang at kasalukuyang ginugulo ng malakas na hanging mula sa kanluran. Tumikhim si Loki, dahilan para lingunin na ng babae ang apat, sa wakas. Nginitian niya sila at unang nilapitan si Jamie.
"Dumating nga kayo," nagagalak na sabi nito at niyakap si Jamie bago siya nagpakilala sa iba.
"Ako nga pala si Joeli Arellano, at ako ang nagpadala ng sulat para sa inyo," nakangiting wika niya.
Parehong nakapinta ang pagtataka sa mga mukha nina Alistair at Lorelei. "Paano naging Rian ang –"
"Ah! Haha! That's from my first name, Adrianne. Medyo boyish daw kasi ang Joeli, na kapag pinaikli ay Joe. Now you know!"
Nagulat sila nang tumawa ito nang malakas kahit wala naman talagang nakakatawa. She even clapped like a retarded monkey, making the others doubt her and her need of help.
Jamie just giggled at her friend's attitude while the rest remained quiet, unsure of how they should react.
Nakaramdam naman si Joeli ng awkwardness kaya huminto na siya at umubo. "Sorry. Baliw lang."
Loki raised a brow. "Look, Jonah, we're not here to do things not worthy of our time."
Lorelei was about to correct Loki, but knowing him, he's not that type who would remember a name of unimportance even though it has been mentioned a lot of times. Napakibit-balikat na lang siya.
"Oh," Joeli muttered in amusement saka tiningnan si Jamie na parang nang-aasar, "Serious type, huh?"
Jamie chuckled, not replying to Joeli. "By the way, Rian, these are my club mates Lorelei and Alistair," tinuro niya ang dalawa bago siya tumabi kay Loki at kumapit sa braso nito, "and of course, Loki dear!"
Here she is again, flirting with him, Lorelei said in her thoughts and glanced at Jamie for a second, whose head is resting on Loki's shoulder. Napailing na lang siya at muling hinarap ang kliyente.
"Nice to meet you," she and Alistair greeted with smiles plastered on their faces while Loki didn't make an effort to even stretch his lips. That made Jamie smile a bit, for he's being the Loki that she has known and liked, and clung to his arm even more. He, however, didn't have time to react on this.
Loki's getting a bit impatient so he immediately told the client, "If I hadn't notice the invisible message written on that card, I would still be unconvinced about this case."
Nang marinig iyon, hindi mapigilan ni Joeli ang mapangiti.
"Teka, anong message?" tanong ni Lorelei.
Alistair crossed his arms and looked at the clouds up in the sky... or maybe it was something else he's staring at.
"Natabunan na ng mga ulap ang araw na naging susi para makita ang isa pang mensahe sa card na 'yon," sabi niya bago ibinalik ang tingin kay Joeli.
Loki nodded as he lets go of Jamie's grasp and started walking back and forth, his hands in his pockets.
"The hidden message said something like, someone is after me, and he'll kill me tonight. Please help me."
Jamie and Lorelei both gasped, while Joeli is just staring at Loki in awe. Alistair's carefully listening.
Loki continued, "Upon remembering Q.E.D. Club's existence in the campus, you immediately tried reaching out to us in such a way you know that will catch our attention." Huminto siya sa paglalakad at diretsong tumingin sa kliyente. "And that is by the help of invisible ink."
All eyes are on him, nag-aabang sa susunod na sasabihin nito. May kinuha si Loki mula sa kaniyang bulsa – ang red card na kasabay ng bouquet ng roses. Naglabas din siya ng lighter.
"As Jamie showed me this card earlier, the sunlight passing through the window hit it, thus making just a little part of the message to be seen. If you want to see how the full message could be shown, here take a look." Sinindihan niya ang lighter at itinapat ang papel dito. Parang pinapainit lang ang papel at kalauna'y lumabas ang inaasahang produkto.
"So that's why," Lorelei reacted. That's why he excused himself for a moment earlier before we could even reach the rooftop, to check the hidden message clearly.
"Amazing!" Pumalakpak si Joeli. "It's like what Jamie always tell me. You really are sharp."
"So, Joeli, what seems to be the case?" Alistair asked.
Joeli's smile faded instantly. She immediately turned serious and faced the four.
"Nagsimula 'yon nang bisitahin namin ang bahay ng lola ko noong nakaraang linggo."
~*~
Maulan ma'y nagpatuloy ang magpinsang Arellano sa pagpunta sa bahay ng kanilang lola sa probinsya para kumuha ng karagdagang mga detalye sa history ng kanilang pamilya.
Noon pa man ay mahilig na si Joeli at ang kaniyang mga pinsan sa mga kwentong kababalaghan at misteryo, at ang mensaheng naiwan ng kaniyang lola sa kaniyang pagkamatay ay mananatili katanungan sa kanilang mga isipan, lalo na't may sinasabi ito tungkol sa isang nakatagong kayamanan sa bahay na iyon.
Nasa harap na sila ng pinto. Nanginginig na kinuha ni Marc ang kopya ng sulat ng kanilang lola at muli itong binasa.
"The door had served as an entrance and exit to many people. Look closely, and you'll see the other side of it. Addy, napaka-astig naman ni lola at nakakapagsulat siya ng ganito sa edad niyang 72," wika ni Marc. Napakibit-balikat na lang si Joeli habang nakatitig sa mga nakaukit na disenyo sa pinto. Bawat munting detalye ay kaniyang tiningnan at sinuri, hanggang sa may makita siyang maliit na bagay na kumikinang sa ibabaw lang ng door knob.
Inilapit niya ang kaniyang mukha para mas matingnan ito ng malinaw at napag-alamang isa 'yong piraso ng salamin.
"Ito na 'yon?" tanong ni Joeli. Nang marinig 'yon ni Marc, agad din niyang nilapitan si Joeli ngunit hindi niya masyadong maklaro ang maliit na bagay na tinutukoy nito sa kadahilanang medyo malabo ang kaniyang paningin. Kinuha niya ang kaniyang cellphone at pinaandar ang flashlight feature nito saka itinutok sa bagay na nakakuha ng kanilang kuryosidad.
Namangha sila nang makitang nakabuo ng isang linya ng ilaw sa maliit na pirasong salamin na iyon at lumusot ito sa loob ng bahay. Dahil doon ay inilabas ni Marc ang ekstrang flashlight at inilagay sa pwestong matatapatan ng ilaw ang salamin bago sila pumasok nang sabay para sundan ang nabuong linya na natuklasan nilang bumabanda sa iba pang mga piraso ng salamin sa loob ng bahay.
Sa pagsunod nila sa ilaw, nakita nila ang isang kwarto sa basement na puno ng mga antique na mga bagay tulad ng mga orasan, lampara, figurines, accessories, mga dekorasyon at iba pa na nagmula pa yata sa ibang bansa. Bigla nilang naalalang mahilig mangolekta ng mga ganitong bagay ang kanilang lola noong nabubuhay pa, at ngayon mukhang gusto niya itong ipamana sa mga susunod na henerasyon.
Nakita nila sa isang lumang mesa doon ang isang nakatiklop na papel. Nang basahin nila ang nakasulat, halos mapatalon sa tuwa ang dalawa.
"You have succeeded in finding my hidden treasures. You may keep at least one of them, and take care of them. Everything in this room had proved something in history. These are things you wouldn't see every day, so do treasure these and I hope you would realize by now that without history, we are nothing."
Para hindi mahirap dalhin, tig-isang gintong kwintas na may mamahaling diyamantes bilang pendant ang kinuha ng dalawa bago umalis sa bahay na 'yon at ibalita sa kanilang mga kamag-anak ang nadiskubre.
Ngunit bago pa man sila makalayo, isang anino ng lalaki ang nakita ni Joeli pero hindi na niya nalaman kung sino ang nagmamay-ari n'on.
Miyerkules ng gabi. Muling napasulyap si Joeli sa kwintas na naka-display sa ibabaw ng kaniyang mesa sa kwarto. Hindi siya kumportableng suotin ito dahil baka masira niya ang kagandahang taglay nito pero kaniya itong iniingatan. Sa kalagitnaan ng kaniyang pagkatulala, narinig niya ang mga mahihinang kaluskos mula sa labas kaya agad siyang napalingon sa bintana. Isang anino ang kaniyang nakita, ngunit mabilis itong nakalayo.
Agad na lumabas si Joeli sa bahay, nagbabaka-sakaling mahahabol niya ang misteryosong taong iyon, pero ang nakuha niya lang ay isang nakatuping papel sa pwesto na kung saan niya nakita ang anino. Sabi nito, "Mapapasaakin din ang nasa iyo ngayon. Babawiin ko 'yan. Kikitilin ko ang buhay mo." Nanuyo ang lalamunan niya at tila agad sumulong sa karera ang puso niya sa bilis nitong tumibok. Dahil sa takot, muli siyang pumasok sa loob at agad ni-lock ang mga bintana at pinto.
Napasulyap siya sa isang picture frame sa kwarto niya. Isang litrato 'yon nilang dalawa ni Jamie noong mga panahong nag-p-practice sila para sa isang play. Naalala niyang miyembro na si Jamie sa isang sikat na detective club sa eskwelahan, kaya hindi na siya nagdalawang-isip pa at naghanap siya ng paraan para makumbinsi niya ang club na tulungan siya.
~*~
"Marahil ay gusto ng lalaking 'yon ang mga antique na bagay na pagmamay-ari ng lola mo. Isa na doon ang kwintas mo," sabi ni Lorelei na sinang-ayunan ng kliyente.
Loki stared at Joeli. "And you want us to find out the stranger's identity?"
"Yes, please." Napalunok siya. "A-Alam kong dapat kumonsulta ako sa mga pulis o kung a-ano, p-pero ayokong mag-alala ang mga mahal ko sa buhay. I caused this mess, that's why I should also face the consequences... b-but..."
Her eyes said it all. Natatakot siya sa posibleng mangyari. Natatakot siya sa pahamak na dala ng estranghero. Natatakot siyang mawala ang isang regalo ng kaniyang lola. Natatakot siyang masaktan ang kahit sinuman sa pamilya. Higit sa lahat, takot na takot siyang mamatay.
Kung hindi siguro kami tumuloy, hindi na siguro ako ma-
Her train of thoughts was cut off when Jamie suddenly hugged her tightly. Her fists were clenched. She buried her face on Joeli's shoulders, and after that, there was no extra movements.
Anger. Worry. Pain. Three emotions brawled inside Jamie.
Matapos marinig ang buong kwento, hindi niya mapigilan ang mag-alala sa kaibigan. She's an older sister. A dear friend. Thinking that someone would want her dead angers her. That moment, she wanted to hunt that person already and get revenge, but she knew she can't do it. Not now that they don't have a plan yet.
Biglang naalala ni Jamie ang masakit na sinapit ng kaniyang Kuya Jaime. They said it's an accident, but deep inside, her mind is saying that it is a foul play. There must've been a murderer. That must've been a murder case.
And yet, she hadn't done anything, which pained her most.
Wala siyang nagawa para bigyang hustisya ang pagkamatay ni Jaime. Wala siyang nagawa para matuklasan ng lahat ang katotohanan.
Kaya sana, kahit sa kaibigan niya man lang, may magawa siya para maligtas siya. One is enough torture. Another one would be the death of her.
She will not let that happen.
The remaining three just watched those two embracing each other.
Until one coughed.
"Someone cut the drama, please," Loki said in an audible whisper.
Lorelei rolled her eyes heavenwards upon hearing it. That just sounded rude to her. Thankfully, both girls didn't hear what Loki had said.
"We'll be glad to accept the case," Alistair finally declared, making Jamie and Joeli turn to him.
"R-Really?" 'Di makapaniwalang tanong ni Joeli at isa-isang tiningnan ang mga miyembro ng Q.E.D. Club. Tumango silang lahat maliban sa club president na si Loki, na wala man lang bahid ng emosyon sa mukha. Nang maramdaman niyang nakatingin ang lahat sa kaniya na para bang hinihintay ang kaniyang sasabihin, napakibit-balikat siya. "You heard Alistair right."
Agad na lumapit si Jamie kay Loki at kumapit na naman sa braso nito. "Thank you, Loki dear!" she cheerfully said. Loki did not respond. Instead, he turned to Joeli.
"Do you have the necklace?"
"W-Well, yes, I brought it in case na kakailanganin niyo." Kinuha niya sa kaniyang bulsa ang isang purse at ibinigay kay Loki.
"Just what I need. We'll text you later about the plan. Let's meet near your house at 6 P.M."
Joeli nodded and muttered a thank you.
"Lorelei, Alistair, Jamie." The three became attentive. "Let's go back to the club room and set the plan. I know exactly what to do."
~*~
Evening came fast. Joeli and the Q.E.D. Club were in the meeting place as ordered by Loki. Her reaction was priceless after seeing them in attires she didn't expect they would wear in the first place. Ibang-iba kasi ito sa inaasahan niya.
"Gosh. Akala ko ay pang-sleepover ang attire niyo. Bakit parang may party?"
"Rian, hindi rin namin sinabi na mag-s-sleepover kami. Sinabi lang namin na tutuloy kami sa inyo. Well... isn't this wonderful?" Jamie smiled and held Loki's hand, fingers intertwined.
Yes, they were wearing semi-formal attire for this case. Nakasuot si Jamie ng isang pulang dress na abot hanggang tuhod na pinartneran ng pulang heels. Nilugay niya rin ang kaniyang buhok na madalas niyang bine-braid, kaya naninibago ang ibang members in club. Matching her outfit was Loki's maroon polo and his brushed up hair made him look more "human" than ever. Lorelei, still having the usual hairstyle, wore a white dress also above the knee paired with doll shoes and her escort Alistair just wore a black polo.
"Well, you all look stunning," Joeli said in awe. "By the way, saan tayo magsisimula?"
"We'll start with this," Alistair said as he picked one furry thing on the floor – the club cat Freya with a shiny object pinned on her collar. Hinimas-himas ni Alistair ang ulo ng pusa at mukhang wala namang reklamo si Freya dito.
Even until now, Lorelei's against with the idea of using Freya as one of the baits to catch the mysterious stalker because of the harm it might bring. Pero dahil si Loki na mismo ang nagsabi na hindi niya hahayaang may masaktang kahit sino sa kanila, she somehow felt like she should trust Loki's complex solutions.
And speaking of trust, she couldn't believe that she is now depending on the guy whom he loathes before when it comes to cases and saving people. Napakakomplikado ng mga naiisip niya. Napakadelikado. He'd prefer not to use the same tricks in revealing crimes and come up with a fun way that only he can enjoy.
She suddenly remembered Loki's method of founding out her stalker, which triggered the darkest memory she had months ago. She hated him for that. She hated how he only thinks for his entertainment. She hated how he only thinks for himself.
That was just before, since she found out some of Loki's mysterious past.
Rhiannon. His only friend. His strength and weakness. His Queen. The only woman for him.
Before, Lorelei thought he is a heartless being who only treats life as a game of chess and the people around him can be his pawns except for his archenemy M, but after knowing who is Rhea for him... I guess he still does have a heart.
She glanced at Jamie who's grinning widely. Dahil siguro naka-tsansing kay Loki o dahil feel niya lang ngumiti at mang-asar kay Lorelei. But that doesn't matter for her now.
Nag-aalala siya kay Loki. She knows how painful Rhea's death for him was that he almost killed Stein Alberts out of rage when her name was mentioned, and even when she sang Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star before. She remembered how he was starstrucked when she saw Jamie for the first time, and that's because of how Jamie and Rhea really looked alike.
She's wondering if he thinks of Rhea and feels guilt every time he sees Jamie.
For a moment, Jamie and Lorelei's gazes met.
Naroon pa rin ang maaliwalas na ngiti ni Jamie habang seryoso lamang si Lori. Mukhang walang gustong pumutol sa eye contact. Parang may gustong ipahiwatig ang dalawa sa isa't isa, at iyon ay tungkol kay Loki. Both their eyes are on fire.
Walang gustong magpatalo.
"Pumasok na tayo," sabi ni Joeli, dahilan para mapalingon ang dalawang babae sa kaniya at doon na natapos ang kanilang kompetisyon.
Napatingin muna si Loki sa mga miyembro. "Just stick with the plan," sabi nito at nauna nang maglakad habang nakahawak pa rin sa kamay ni Jamie.
Is he still aware about that? Or maybe he is, but does not care about that anymore? Lorelei thought while focusing on their intertwined fingers.
Or does he like it that way?
She can clearly visualize Jamie's dazzling smile and her sparkling eyes staring at him in her mind, now that she got one point for this round, which made that thing inside her roar.
"Hey, you're spacing out," Alistair snapped. "Is there a problem?"
"N-none at all. Tara na."
Matapos sabihin iyon, sumunod na siya sa dalawa, her pace faster than usual. Alistair was left behind, still embracing Freya in his arms. Both were watching the lovebirds and the girl after them.
Freya let out a "meow" which he understood most. Napatingala ang pusa kay Alistair at napatitig na tila naaawa sa kaniya. Nang maramdaman ito ni Alistair, napatingin din ito sa pusa at ngumiti na lamang.
"I know, Freya. You don't have to mention it." He put him down the ground. "Tara na nga."
As soon as they stepped inside Joeli's residence, Jamie felt nostalgic. Every corner of the room reminded her of those good old times she had with Joeli. The stories, laughs, and cries they shared came up in her mind like freshly baked bread from the oven.
"Just wait a sec. Kakamustahin ko muna sina Mom at Dad. Nag-out of town kasi. Teka lang."
"Take your time, Rian," Jamie gleefully replied as Joeli went in her room to make a phone call.
Inilibot na lang ni Jamie ang kaniyang paningin sa sala kung saan nakatambay ang lahat. Freya's comfortably seated at the right side of the sofa and beside her were Alistair and Lorelei who are playing with her and her collar.
"This sure does look like Joeli's necklace," Alistair commented as he touched the object pinned on the collar once again. "Saan mo nakuha, Loki?"
At that very second, Loki stopped his room inspection and turned to Alistair. "I asked Herschel earlier to make an exact duplicate of Jenny's most treasured object which put her life in harm. It's a good timing that he had just finished his machine that can exactly copy the physical traits of an object quick and voila! Our task has become easier!" he said with a confident grin.
"It's actually Joeli, Loki dear," Jamie corrected as she went closer to Loki. "But I know that doesn't really mean much to you. I mean, nakakalimutan mo nga ang mga pangalan na sa tingin mo'y hindi talaga kailangan. Yet you remember my name. Does that mean I am important to you?"
"I am pretty sure that's just because we're from the same club," Lorelei said.
"I am pretty sure that you're not the one I'm talking to," Jamie replied.
Alistair and Loki stared at the girls exchanging words like they're aiming guns at each other. Upon noticing that, Jamie's mood quickly changed from serious to flirty once again and traced her fingers on Loki's arm. "I am just kidding. Huwag mo na lang iyon sagutin," she giggled.
Loki stood frozen as he can feel Jamie's playful fingers tiptoeing up to his shoulders. For a moment, he lost focus. His mind became chaotic. He surely doesn't like this feeling, but how did it happen that a part of him wants it too?
Slightly annoyed at his dueling emotions, he closed his eyes and cleared his throat before gently shoving Jamie's hand away.
"We are delaying his plan by staying on her side," he recapped their plan. "That way, he couldn't just attack our client. He must wait until she is alone so he could properly execute the crime, if ever, that is why Freya is here to distract him."
They all nodded.
Lorelei stood up and carried Freya in her arms to observe the duplicate necklace pendant on her collar. "Sino ang may dala ng original necklace?" she asked as she turned to Loki.
"About that..." Kinuha niya mula sa bulsa ang isang pouch at ipinakita sa lahat ang laman nitong kwintas. After everyone had a close look at it, pumunta si Loki sa likuran ni Jamie at isinuot sa kaniya ang kwintas.
Jamie's eyes were full of delight as she felt Loki's hands on her back while locking the accessory.
"Jamie will take good care of it," he declared right after.
Naalerto si Alistair sa narinig at napatayo. "Teka nga lang. Wala ito sa napag-usapan natin kanina. If Jamie will be the one wearing that, mataas ang tsansang mapapahamak siya, considering that this mysterious stranger is more willing to kill just to get what he wants."
"Trust me on this," Loki firmly said.
Now that's a big word.
"Jamie agreed on this after we parted ways outside the clubroom. She will face the stalker."
Alistair and Lorelei unbelievingly glanced at Jamie who's now speechless, then back at Loki.
"Pero Loki! Hindi ba't delikado 'yon?" Lorelei blurted out.
"If that will raise the chance of our plan's success, then we should take the risk. No one will be harmed anyway if things go in our favor."
"Pero paano kung hindi?! Ha?"
Natahimik ang lahat sa pagtaas ng boses ni Lori. Maging si Freya ay bumaba at napalapit kay Jamie sa gulat.
No one dared to speak after that.
They never have seen Lorelei like this after quite some time, bringing them shock. However, Loki's serious expression remained.
"Paano kung hindi? Paano kung bibiktimahin si Jamie? Paano kung masasaktan siya? Paano kung hindi natin siya mailigtas on time? Just... think about it, Loki!"
"Lower down your tone, Lorelei. It is quite disturbing-"
"Hindi, Loki! Ang problema kasi sa 'yo, kampante ka masyado sa mga komplikado mong plano. But what if the tables are turned? What if everything gets worse than expected?"
Lorelei chased her breath as she finally takes a seat to calm herself down. A deafening silence came after that.
"Excuse me," Jamie whispered and walked away. Before she opened the main door, napatingin muna siya sa tatlo – lalo na kay Lorelei – at tuluyan nang lumabas ng bahay.
Joeli went out of her room after that, and she confusingly looked at the remaining people in the sala one by one. "Anong nangyari? Nasaan si Jamie?"
"Sorry for the inconvenience, but we promise you that we'll settle this," Alistair answered.
Bago pa man maka-react ulit si Joeli, nagmadaling lumabas si Loki nang walang paalam at pabagsak na sinarado ang pinto. Nagkatinginan sina Lorelei, Alistair, at Joeli.
"Somebody, paki-orient ako sa nangyari," nagtatakang sambit ng kliyente at napaupo na lang din sa sofa.
~*~
Masyadong mahangin sa labas. Ang mga puno ay napapasayaw dito at ang mga dahon ay nahuhulog at natatangay sa malamig na hangin ng gabi. Napunta si Jamie sa gilid ng bahay na kung saan ay madilim-dilim, at doon ay napaisip.
I just want to help. Is there something wrong with that?
Her lips formed into a frown.
Umihip ang malakas na hangin sa kaniyang direksyon kaya napayakap siya sa sarili. If only she brought a jacket along, the cold can't bother her anymore.
Napailing na lang siya at isinantabi muna ang lamig. Iniisip niya ang plano, ang kaligtasan ng kaibigan, at si Loki.
She admits to herself that Loki's plans are really dangerous. Alam niyang delikado ang pinasok niya. Alam niyang maaaring malagay sa pahamak ang buhay niya. But despite all of those things, she still trusts Loki.
Marami na siyang na-solve na mga kaso, no matter how hard or complicated those were. Halos walang imposible para kay Loki. Kaya natanong niya sa sarili, this case will just be easy for him too, right? He can save Rian, 'di ba?
Napahawak siya sa kwintas ng kaibigan niya na suot-suot niya, hoping that everything will turn out fine.
"It's a bit cold out here."
She suddenly panicked when a voice came out from nowhere, but after seeing a shadow of a young man, which she knows most, her panic got blown away by the wind and she suddenly flushed.
Lub dub. Lub dub. Lub dub.
No one spoke. Loki stepped closer to Jamie. Despite the chilly wind, Jamie can feel her cheeks heating up. But still, the silence bothers her.
Without saying a word, Loki took another step forward and Jamie's eyes widened when he hugged her tight.
"Uh..." Jamie can hardly utter a word. "Lo-Loki..."
Napakalakas ng tibok ng puso niya. Sobrang lakas na parang may sumabog na bomba sa dibdib niya. But she likes the feeling. The feeling that she's like in Cloud 9. Yes, she likes it very much.
Can he hear what my heart shouts? Can he hear my heart beating for him?
"They say that hugging can be an effective way to lessen the severity of common colds. I don't have a coat with me but I don't want you to get sick," Loki said which made her cheeks heat up more. "But aside from that purpose, I want to assure you that I'll do everything to protect the client, the club members, and of course, you."
For a moment, she forgot how to speak.
Maraming tumatakbo sa utak niya na gustung-gusto niyang sabihin ngayon, but those thoughts are mixed. May ibang positibo at may ibang negatibo, at hindi niya alam kung alin ang uunahin niya.
"Your hand's shaking. You're feeling nervous."
"Oh, sorry!"
Napabitaw tuloy sa pagyakap si Jamie nang marinig ang mga iyon kay Loki. Nang mapatingin siya sa binata, una niyang napansin ang mga na-c-curious na mga mata nito. Alam niyang sa mga oras na ito, sinusuri na siya ni Loki at hinayaan na lang niya ito.
"You want to say something to me. Spill it," he finally told her.
"Gusto mo lang ba kaming iligtas dahil ayaw mong mawalan ng piyesa sa laro mo?" Jamie suddenly blurted out and upon realizing what she had just said, agad siyang napatakip sa kaniyang bibig, gulat na gulat sa kaniyang nasabi.
Maging si Loki ay hindi inaasahan iyon, ngunit nanatiling walang ka-emo-emosyon ang mukha nito. "Go on," he casually said like what he had heard is nothing.
"A-Ano... Loki dear-"
"You've got some more questions in your head. You don't want to leave them unanswered, do you? You've got this chance. Don't hesitate."
Jamie took a deep breath. Her hands even shook more. Hindi niya matukoy kung dahil ba ito sa malamig na hangin o sa malamig na pakikitungo ni Loki. Ngunit nagpatuloy na lang siya.
"Tell me, Loki. What are we to you?" she asked in a low tone. "What am I to you?"
Loki blankly stared at her.
He's unsure of what to answer. He has something in his mind, but something stops him from saying it to her.
"Am I just one of your pawns?"
Jamie blinked and something dropped on her palm. When she checked it, it was liquid. Water? Is it raining? But the night sky's still smiling at them. She touched her cheeks. They're wet.
Tears?
"Let's just go inside. They might be wondering what's taking us so long."
Tumalikod na si Loki at nagsimulang maglakad pabalik sa bahay.
For some reasons, Jamie can't make a step. She stood frozen, unsure what to do after saying those words.
She can't even believe na nasabi niya ang mga 'yon.
Nang maramdaman ni Loki na walang sumusunod sa kaniya, huminto siya sa paglalakad. Jamie stared at him, confused why he suddenly stopped in his tracks.
What Loki said next surprised her.
"Sorry, Jamie."
After that, he went straight to the house.
She sighed. "Oh... Loki dear, you're driving me crazy," she uttered in an almost whisper as she gazed at the twinkling stars for a while.
You're like one of the night sky's star. Yes, I can see you shining brightly and I can stare at you endlessly, but you are always out of my reach.
She smiled bitterly.
Suddenly, she heard some furniture moved inside the house. Thinking there must've been a commotion inside, she hurriedly ran to the house but when she opened the door, Freya greeted her with a hiss and ran away.
"Jamie, run after Freya!" she heard Lorelei say.
That was the cue.
"Got it!"
Naka-heels man ay sinikap niyang mahabol si Freya, pero sadyang mabilis talaga ito tumakbo. Tila hinahamon pa nga nito si Jamie dahil umiikot-ikot ito, pero kalaunan ay ginawa na rin ng pusa ang trabaho niya – ang hanapin ang stalker.
She's not your ordinary cat, you know.
"Freyaaaa, tigil muna sandali!" hinihingal na wika ni Jamie nang makalayo na sila.
Surprisingly, the cat did what she was told, but it's as if she saw something in the dark. Hindi ito gumalaw, pero mahahalata sa kaniyang posisyon ang pagiging alerto.
"Uhm, Freya?" Dahan-dahang lumapit si Jamie sa pusa. "What's the mat- AH!"
Suddenly, a man in his early 30s came out from the shadows. Naka-suot ito ng itim na coat at cap, at kalmado ang ekspresyon nito.
Parang may mali, sabi ni Jamie sa sarili. There's something wrong with his expression. Could he be-
Nagtatakang tiningnan ni Jamie ang estranghero nang lumapit ito kay Freya at maamong hinawakan ang ulo nito. "Ang cute ng pusa! Sa iyo ba ito?"
"A-ah, o-opo. Akin po," kinakabahang sagot ni Jamie.
Pakiramdam niya'y may kakaiba sa taong 'to, ngunit ang ekspresyon sa mukha nito'y kinokontra ang nasa isip niya.
Tila nasemento ang kaniyang mga paa sa lupa nang makita na ng estranghero ang duplicate pendant ng kwintas ng kliyente sa collar ni Freya. "Wow..." rinig niyang sabi ng estranghero.
His innocent façade suddenly vanished after that. Bigla itong ngumisi at walang kung anu-ano'y kinarga si Freya.
Mas lalong bumilis ang pintig ng puso niya.
No doubt! He's the one who's after Rian!
"Teka- AH!"
Napasinghap si Jamie nang maglabas ito ng kutsilyo mula sa kaniyang coat.
Lub dub. Lub dub. Lub dub.
"Isang hakbang pa at papatayin kita."
Sa malamig na boses na iyon, napipi si Jamie at nanigas sa kinatatayuan.
"Sa wakas, akin ka na rin!" Humalakhak ang estranghero habang kinakarga si Freya para matingnan nang maigi ang collar. "Sa wakas!"
"HISS!" tugon ni Freya at sinubukang kumawala ngunit mahigpit talaga ang pagkakahawak ng estranghero.
"Hindi ka makakatakas sa akin, kuting! Ayos din ang mga mata mo, ah?" Lumingon ito kay Jamie. "Oy, miss, ano'ng breed nito?"
"It's none of your business. Huwag na huwag mong sasaktan ang pusa ko, kung hindi... m-malalagot ka," sagot niya na nagpatawa ng husto sa estranghero.
"Aba, nagtatapang-tapangan ka pa ah. Kung tuluyan na lang kaya kita?"
Lub dub. Lub dub. Lub dub.
Hindi na lang iyon inalintana ni Jamie at inalala na lang ang pinlano nila. Isa doon ang pagtatanong.
"Bakit mo ba ito ginagawa? Ano bang meron sa pusa?"
Mabilis na lumapit ang estranghero at itinutok ang kutsilyo sa leeg ni Jamie habang nakaakbay dito na may nang-aasar na ngiti. "Gusto mo bang malaman? Sige, pagbibigyan kita. Tutal, mamamatay ka na naman eh."
Napalunok si Jamie sa narinig.
"Ganito kasi 'yon, Miss. Hindi ang pusa ang habol ko, kunndi ang nakasabit sa collar nito."
"P-po?" pagmamaang-maangan ni Jamie. "Anong-"
"Ang pamilyang Arellano ay isa sa mga kaibigan ng pamilya namin dati. Pero sina lolo lang talaga at si Melissa Arellano ang tunay na magkaibigan. Business partners din sila. Pero dati lang 'yon."
Melissa Arellano. As far as I remember, siya ang lola ni Rian.
"Mahilig silang dalawa mangolekta ng mga antique na bagay mula sa kanilang mga business trips. Hati-hati sila sa mga bagay na 'yon. Wala na sanang problema, kaso biglang nawala ang ibang pinakaiingatang antique na mga bagay ni lolo, lalo na 'yong isang kwintas niya. Alam mo ba kung nasaan 'yon?" Mas lalong lumawak ang kaniyang ngisi at napatingin kay Freya. "Nasa pusang ito."
"Nagkakamali ka! Akin 'yang-"
"Tumahimik ka!" sigaw ng estranghero at diniinan ang kutsilyo sa leeg ni Jamie na gumawa ng maliit na sugat.
"Kung hindi lang ninakaw ng Melissa Arellano ang mga antique na bagay at tumakas, hindi na sana aatakehin si lolo at hindi sana siya mamamatay! Marami pa siyang inangkin na hindi kaniya. Hah! Dapat lang namin kunin ang dapat sa amin."
Ramdam na ramdam ni Jamie ang galit ng estranghero sa nanginginig nitong mga kamay. Pakiramdam niya, any minute now ay magwawala pa ito.
Napatingin siya sa kwintas sa dibdib niya na natatabunan ng ilang hibla ng buhok niya.
Sana hindi niya mapansin ang kwintas. Sana hindi niya mapansin ang kwintas.
"Ngayong tapos na ako sa pag-k-kwento, handa ka na bang mamatay?"
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Jamie sa narinig.
"N-no... p-please..." her voice quivered but the stranger didn't mind it. Umaapoy ang mga mata nito sa galit at mukhang wala nang makakapigil sa kung ano man ang balak niya.
Lub dub. Lub dub. Lub dub.
Napapikit na lang si Jamie.
I guess this is how it ends. Good bye, Mom and Dad. Good bye, Rian. Good bye, Alistair, Lorelei, and Freya. Good bye, Loki, my lo-
"Perfect!"
Natigilan ang estranghero sa ginagawa nang marinig ang isang boses ng lalaki sa 'di kalayuan. Sunod nilang narinig ang isang mahinang tawang nang-aasar.
"Sino ka? Nasaan ka?"
"I'm here."
Out came Loki with his phone.
Jamie gasped when she saw him with her own eyes, not really believing that he came exactly on time.
Magsasalita pa sana ang estranghero nang maunahan siya ni Loki.
"First of all, you have no escape. Naka-record na ang pagtangka mong pagpatay sa babaeng 'yan, which means you're getting a one way trip to prison," sabi nito habang winawagayway ang cellphone nito.
Naramdaman ni Jamie na lumuwag ang pagkakasakal ng estranghero sa kaniya at mukhang mabibitawan niya ang kutsilyong hawak.
"Second," lumapit si Loki at nakipagtitigan sa estranghero, "you seem to not know the real story."
"Anong pinagsasabi mo?!" singhal ng estranghero.
"The antique things were not stolen by Madam Melissa. They were given by your late grandfather, Albert Cervantes, willingly."
Napanganga ang estranghero sa narinig. Magtatanong pa sana siya ngunit nagpatuloy si Loki sa pagsasalita.
"The late Madam Melissa Arellano had a journal, stating that your grandfather and our client's grandmother were in love. But due to circumstances, their love story ended in a way they both didn't like. Talk about love." He shrugged which annoyed the stranger.
"And also-"
"Dadaldal ka pa ba o papatayin ko itong girlfriend mo?!" banta nito na nanlilisik ang mga mata. Humigpit lalo ang pagkakasakal niya kay Jamie.
Dahan-dahang tinaas ni Loki ang kaniyang dalawang kamay habang tinitingnan si Jamie sa mata.
Halos maluha na si Jamie sa sitwasyon nila. Si Loki ay hindi makagalaw basta-basta dahil isang maling hakbang lang ay maaaring lumala ang sitwasyon. Walang kalaban-laban si Freya ngayon at hindi pa niya makita sina Alistair at Lorelei.
She's losing hope.
But when she glanced back at Loki, she noticed him blinking too much. At first, akala niya napuwing ito, but he was looking at her intensely.
And then she noticed the blinking speed.
It took her a moment to process what Loki was trying to tell her, and when she did, she smiled even though fear is still inside.
| ••••/•/•—••/•——•| ••/••• | ••••/•/•—•/• |
"Oy, napuwing ka ba o may deprensya ka sa mata? Abnormal na bata," komento ng estranghero nang mapansin ang ginagawa ni Loki. Upon hearing that, Loki turned back to him and smirked.
"Are you referring to yourself?"
"Ano?" walang kaide-ideyang tanong ng estranghero.
Dahil doon, humalakhak si Loki na parang may demonyong sumapi sa kaniya. "You didn't even notice that the thing you're after is not on the cat you're holding!"
All of a sudden, the sound of patrol cars resonated in the area. The police are now in action.
Just as planned.
Napamura ang estranghero.
"Hindi pwede!"
He immediately tried snatching the duplicate pendant on Freya's collar, which caused the cat to get alarmed. Angered, Freya proudly showed her sharp claws and without any further ado, she leaped at the stranger's face and showered him with scratches.
With that distraction, Jamie finally got the chance to escape from his grasp and rushed to hug Loki, sobbing. Loki then hugged her back, but his attention is still on the man who has been a victim of Freya's claws, and is now being surrounded and handcuffed by the police.
"Sa presinto ka na magpaliwanag," they heard the police say before leaving.
Loki smiled in contentment and relief after witnessing the events. Tila nabunutan siya ng isang malaking tinik sa dibdib nang makita ang resulta ng kanilang ginawa.
That was a great risk, but he's glad that everything turned out fine.
He then turned to Jamie who buried her face on his shoulder, sobbing.
"Lo-Loki..." she softly cried.
He hushed her as he softly stroked her hair. "They're gone, okay? No one's going to harm you now that you have me by your side."
Jamie was stunned as she heard those words. She never thought she'll hear him say such things.
"I'm glad you're safe, Jamie," he whispered right beside her ear and hugged her tight as if he won't ever let go of her again.
Lub dub. Lub dub.
At that moment, Jamie didn't waste the chance to let Loki feel how special he is for her.
Miracles do happen in unexpected times, eh? Jamie chuckled in her thoughts and buried her face on his shoulders even more while Loki rested his head on hers.
With the moon watching them, they stayed in that position for a moment as they feel that no one will ever go wrong as long as they both are in each other's arms.
###