Mula sa townhouse nila Jaguar ay nagtaxi kami ni Shiva pauwi sa bahay namin. I wished it was as easy as I've said na nagtaxi kami sa pagpapaalam kina Jaguar, Seige and Ranger. They were very against the idea. I just don't want them to see where I live and I don't want to risk seeing them in my front yard. Knowing my parents, they'd probably start naming their grandchildren kapag may ipinakilala ako sa kanila. In the end, we all settled na ibibigay ng driver ang details niya kina Seige and we should update them from to time bago sila pumayag.
I think I've gained bodyguards instantly in the form of those guys.
"Hey, Shiv. Ikaw na magchat kay Seige and the rest na nakauwi na tayo ha," sabi ko habang pababa. Mahighpit na bilin ng tatlo na magsabi agad pagdating namin dito sa bahay.
"Sure," she said nonchalantly "Wow, you're fucking ric-" sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.
Kailan pa 'to natutong magsalita ng ganito? "Oops! Sorry!" she grinned then took out her phone to type innocently while following me.
Siguro kay Jaguar niya natutunan magsalita ng ganyan o kaya ay sa'kin. Baka naman ako talaga ang bad influence? Sabagay, simula noong unang araw ng pasukan at sunod sunod na mga nangyayari, napansin kong sobrang laki ng pinagbago ng pinagbago ng galaw at ugali ko. Pati pakikipagsalamuha ko sa mga tao sa paligid. To think I've wanted to be low-key to survive college life peacefully.
"Sina Mom at Dad, Nana Nimfa?" tanong ko sa mayordoma namin na nagbukas ng pinto para sa amin ni Shiva.
"May pinuntahan silang charity ball, hija." Tinignan niya ang kabuuan ni Shiva bago ngumiti. "Sino itong dalagang kasama mo?"
Ngumiti ako. She must've liked her. We really both have a good judge of character at malaking bagay sa'kin ang approval ni Nana sa mga kaibigan ko. Siya na halos ang nagpalaki sa akin kaya hindi lang mayordoma ang tingin ko sa kanya.
"Shiva po, blockmate po ako ni Ayah," ani Shiva at nagmano kay Nana. "Makiki-sleep over po ako para gumawa ng schoolworks," patuloy ni Shiva.
"Aba'y napakagandang dalaga mo Ineng. Siya..siya... umakyat na kayo para makapaligo at makapagbihis. Padadalhan ko na kayo ng pagkain maya maya."
"Sige po, pakisabi po kay Mommy at Daddy na may bisita ako kapag dumating sila." Tiningnan ko si Shiva na pasimpleng nagmamasid, "Tara na?"
"Tara," anito. "Akyat na po kami, Nana. Salamat po," paalam niya.
Pagdating sa kwarto ay pinili na muna namin na maligo at magbihis bago nagsimula. Pinahiram ko na din si Shiva ng damit sa kabila ng pagtanggi nito dahil may dala naman daw siya. Pagkatapos namin kumain ng hapunan ay umakyat din kami agad para mag umpisa na sa schoolworks. Acquaintance Ball kasi bukas kaya madami-dami ang iniwang trabaho ng mga prof sa amin.
Mamamatay ata ang mga ito kapag hindi nagtambak ng trabaho sa tuwing holiday o walang pasok. As if half of their lives will be gone kapag hindi nila nagawa yun o kaya naman ay mababawasan ang sahod nila.
Mula sa sinasagutang workbook ay nag angat si Shiva ng tingin sa akin. "Bakit nga pala kayo natagalan?" aniya at nakataas ang kilay.
"Were you not listening when Primo said na matagal niyang naiwala ang mga pulis?" sagot ko habang patuloy pa ring nagtitipa sa keyboard ng sagot ko para sa reaction paper sa History.
Hindi siya umimik at ramdam ko ang titig niya kaya napilitan akong mag angat ng tingin. I immediately regretted it dahil tumambad sa akin ang mapag-akusa niyang mukha.
"Alliyah Karizza Aragon, hindi mo ba alam na mula sa racetrack ay sampung minuto lang ang layo ng bahay ni Jaguar?"
"So?" balewalang sagot ko bagama't bahagya akong nagulat.
I don't want to have any other thoughts. Tinulungan na nga ako ng tao, pag iisipan ko pa ng iba.
"Anong so?! Primo purposely stalled the car and judging by their reactions earlier, Ranger and the others doesn't believe his reason either. Kahit pa hinabol kayo ng mga pulis Ayah, he was a fucking racer. Paano nangyaring inabutan nila kayo?," aniya at humiga sa kama, totally forgetting about her lab manuals na sinasagutan niya.
"Kung gusto niya akong kasama he would've just drove around and around, Shiva. Bakit kailangan pa naming magpahabol? I don't get it," depensa ko kay Primo.
She rolled her eyes. Frustated na bumangon siya at hinarap ako.
"Because it's an alibi! In that way, hindi ka magtataka kung bakit natagalan kayo. You would've just thought na it was because you were getting chased by the police when in reality, ni anino ng sasakyan ni Primo ay hindi nila maabutan. He's a drift racer for goodness sake," pag e-explain niya.
"He's that good in racing?" my brows arched, impressed.
"Sabi ni Jag, not even a single loss."
"Wow, he's good," balewalang sabi ko.
"Hays! Hindi mo ba alam na isang oras kong pinag isipan lahat ng iyon? The guy likes you, Ayah." she concluded.
"Shiva, tumigil ka. Out of all people si Primo talaga ang magkakagusto sa akin? He rarely even talk to me and when he does ay puno lang ng sarkasmo." I said. "Tingin mo ganyan ba umakto ang may gusto sa isang babae?"
"Bahala ka nga," aniya. "Basta sinabihan kita at feeling ko talaga tama ako," dagdag pa niya bago muling ibinalik ang atensyon sa workbook.
Napaisip ako sa sinabi niya.
Impossible talaga. Primo and me were not even "that" close. Kahit magkakasama kami ay hindi kami nag uusap for the past few weeks ay laging tango o 'di kaya ay mangilan ngilang salita ang komunikasyon sa pagitan naming dalawa.
Let's not forget what happened earlier, if he likes me that was his chance to spend more time with me.
But he left anyway.
******
Shiva tried so hard to convince me on this one. Hindi ko talaga hilig ang mag party kahit pa required kami um-attend. I would rather sleep than mingle with other people.
"See? There you have it, ang ganda ng paglagay ko ng winged eye-liner sa'yo." Shiva said in triumph.
I gave her a very obvious fake smile. "Wala nga si Julia, andito ka naman. Hindi ba ako magkakaroon ng peace of mind kahit isang araw lang?"
"You're such a bore! I heard facilitator si Julia and she can't be with you all the time kaya hindi ka nag eenjoy pag ganitong parties but now, you have me too. We can leave early if you want to naman eh," she reasoned.
"Hindi naman kita pipilitin na umuwi when I feel uncomfortable 'no. I think Jaguar and the others will be there so I'm not worried if I leave early either."
Sinipat ko ang sarili sa salamin. I smiled weakly, I feel guilty whenever I'm having fun without Julia and thinking she's not even gonna make a big deal out of this made me feel guilty even more.
I shifted my body to the left para tignan ang suot ko. It's a beaded ruched side black colored bodycon. Hindi revealing pero hindi din naman conservative. I've always liked black colored dress because it accentuates my fair complexion and my natural brown and wavy curls. Perfect din ang damit na ito for the event since the dress code is black casual to semi formal attire. Parang get together lang halos ang magaganap since nakapag acquaintance naman na ang first years.
Sa bahay nagbihis si Shiva since mas malapit ang bahay namin sa school compared sa bahay nila. Shes wearing black mesh bodycon cami dress. Bagay na bagay din dito ang damit nito. She's taller than me and she's towering with her pumps. Pang modelo talaga ang height ni Shiva like Julia. They could pass as sisters.
Sa university function hall gaganapin ang event at madalas on time nag uumpisa ang mga programa ng orgs namin kaya naman dumiretso na agad kami para hindi maging center of attention ang pagdating namin.
"Ang lamig, Shiv. Sisipunin pa nga yata ako dito." I complained.
The air conditioning is in full blast.
Nagsisimula na din mapuno ang mga table. I haven't spotted Primo and the rest of them.
"Do you think the boys will be here tonight?"
"Beats me. First time ko din umattend - baka sa racetrack nag party ang mga 'yon," sagot ko.
I took a sip from the ladies drink that they were serving in the party. Napangiwi agad ako. "Ang tapang ng mix."
"Pansin ko 'din. Parang hindi ladies drink eh. Legal ba naman inuman," aniya sabay tawa. "Masarap pa din naman."
I nodded bago inubos ang nasa baso ko. Shiva also did the same. That went on for the rest of the program. I'm very grateful I've learned how to drink dahil alam ko kung hanggang saan lang ang kaya kong inumin. I wouldn't take my chances in getting drunk and waking up somewhere else's place. My parents would kill me. Mukhang ganoon din naman si Shiva. Tipsy but manageable.
Halos patapos na ang event nang pumasok si Audrey at mga kasama niya. She looks decent with her black halter dress. She's so fake and obvious. Everyone in the function knows she's eyeing the lady of the night award tonight. Wala kasi si Julia kaya wala siyang kumpetensiya. She finally got it in her head that she's got a big chance when her rival is not around. Wala din naman gustong lumaban dahil maganda naman talaga si Audrey. She only lacked the brain and the elegance part and the org isn't lowering the bar for her, but now she stepped up her game so the award is basically a sealed deal.
"Aren't you cold with that dress of yours, Ayah?" Jaguar asked, suddenly appearing beside me and Shiva.
I almost screamed. "Jesus, you could've made some noise. Hindi yung nangugulat ka diyan," reklamo ko.
Jaguar shrugged then took off his coat and immediately placed it over my shoulder. Seige also placed his' on Shiva's lap. They all sat swiftly on the table's vacant chairs. Masyado kaming naka focus kay Audrey na hindi namin namalayan ang pagdating nila. I think they also took that chance so they can come in unnoticed.
"Wala si Primo?" Shiva inquired.
I surveyed them, they're all wearing custom made black suit. Pero siyempre ang coat ng dalawa ay nasa amin na ni Shiva. I don't know if they're nitpicking but they seem nicer to us than other people. The way they were comfortably hanging their arms at the back of our chairs says a lot.
"Wala, nagpaiwan sa track 'yon. He's afraid he'll win the award and get paired with Audrey if he comes here," Ranger said with a snigger.
Jaguar and Seige chuckled. Napailing nalang ako sa mga ito. So that explains the few unbuttoned long sleeve polos sa mga suot nila. Tumambay nga yata ang mga 'to sa track.
"Buti naman at naisipan niyo pang pumunta?" biro ko. "You should've stayed in the track and had fun there."
"Ayaw sana namin. Naisip lang namin na nandito kayo," Seige answered. "You'd be bored as hell without us."
I raised my brows. "We're doing fine by ourselves actually," I said then Jaguar faked a hurt look habang nakahawak sa dibdib. "But I guess it would be fun to see one of you get paired with Audrey," I added.
Tumawa ng kaonti ang mga ito. "I would run faster than Usain when that happens, bro."
Napailing iling nalang ako saba'y napangiti.
After the presentation of the orgs na pwedeng salihan ng mga studyante and the dinner, it was time to announce to the few awards that was prepared for the event. Nauna nang sinabi kung ano ano ang mga 'yon pati na ang mga matatanggap nila.
"Wala namang cash prize," reklamo ni Shiva.
"Oo nga, kung meron 5k sa early bird, kagabi palang nandito na ako. Sa function hall na 'ko tutulog aircon naman eh," pag sang-ayon ni Jaguar.
Sabay sabay na naman kami na humagalpak ng tawa. They might've been the reason why I'm staying longer than usual in these kind of events.
"... and the beauty that took everyone's breathe tonight, the head turner for her elegance... let me hear your bets... who do you think she is?," the podium master announced trying to build curiosity.
The hall went buzzing. A few shouted names.
"Audrey!" one of Audrey's guy friend shouted in the midst of the crowd.
"Shiva!" Seige also joined trying to piss Shiva.
Sisigaw din sana si Jaguar at Ranger ng pangalan ko kung hindi ko sila pinaghahampas ng clutch bag ko. I knew what they were planning about when they were grinning like a mad dog while looking at me.
"Seems like someone got it right, our lady of the night is no other than... Audrey Loreise Castillo! Let's all welcome her on stage."
Audrey looked pleased. She was expectant but kinda nervous, she would've been beaten thrice in a row if she didn't win tonight.
She sashayed her way to the stage and while she was doing that. The master of ceremony enticed the crowd for the gentleman of the night award.
"Primo! Primo!"
"Renzo!"
"Jaguar!"
Since Ranger and Seige already won the award, they were automatically excluded from the viable option. The spotlight searched the crowd for Primo but he was nowhere.
"Alright! They have to be here to win the award!," anunsiyo ng Emcee.
The spotlight roamed and when it stopped in our direction, Jaguar shook his head violently. The two boys were laughing hysterically habang ako ay tipid na nakangiti sa gilid. I think I also saw Shiva kick Jaguar's chair for him to stand up.
Sa huli ay hindi talaga napilit tumayo si Jaguar kaya namili sila sa ibang major. Renzo from Architecture Department won instead.
The excitement died down afterwards. We were just watching a presentation of talent from our few chosen schoolmate while the boys were busy talking about racing and gaming whatsoever . A few people have noticed the group because it's not hard to spot them within the crowd kasabay pa ng pag ilaw ng spotlight from the awarding. Although I know they are not staring at me but it was getting uncomfortable and I just wanted to breathe for a moment.
"Shiv, comfort room?" aya ko sa kanya.
Mabilis naman siyang tumango at nilapag ang bag. "Bantayan niyo upuan namin ha. CR lang kami," paalam niya sa mga kasama namin.
"Ge, balik kayo agad patapos na din yata eh." Ranger answered . "CR lang by pair pa," dagdag pa niya.
Sumimangot lang ako bilang tugon habang si Shiva naman ay inirapan ito.
Nang palapit na kami sa exit ng function hall ay saka ako nagpaalam kay Shiva na lalabas ako saglit. She was adamant about letting me go outside alone dahil baka gusto ko na raw umuwi at hindi ko lang sinasabi but I assured her I just want to breath some fresh air. I was getting bored and my butt's hurting from sitting. Isa pa, the temperature inside is too cold for me. Lamigin kasi ako.
I found my way to the school's botanical garden. Hindi ito malayo sa entrada ng function hall dahil halos magkatabi lang naman ang dalawa. I was nearing the garden's benches when an intruder spoke.
"You're here, Alliyah. I was looking for you everywhere." Audrey spoke.
Nilingon ko siya. "Whatever your reason is, I don't want you to look for me," I said flatly.
She shrugged, clearly not going anywhere.
"Well... It's about Julia." She took out a paper and gave it to me, an address and a lot number is written on it. "I was planning on blackmailing her with this but since I won, I'm giving it to her as a gift." She said nonchalantly. "That's where her stillborn is buried."
I shook my head, anger is slowly building up.
This family is unbelievable. Kung hindi mamamatay tao ay walang kasimpa-simpatya sa kapwa babae. It's like their whole bloodline is garbage.
"Your brother killed a human. It's his own blood and flesh - and yours too. Pamangkin mo 'yon. Yet you still wanted to blackmail Julia with this? For what..." I stopped, nanginginig ang kamay ko sa pagtitimpi. "... for a small party award?"
Hindi pa man siya nakasagot ay nagsalita ulit ako. "You have a very unhappy life, Audrey. Thank you for showing me that."
"Stop talking nonsense, pushover. I have no involvement of whatever happened. Why would I care about a child that my brother didn't even want. The tomb was made to shut your friend up - the least that I could do." She's also getting worked up, her voice is trembling with anger. "And unhappy? I just won the award I wanted-"
"You won because Julia's not here," I mocked.
"Yeah? What about you? You're here, aren't you? Why didn't you play hero and take it from me?" She countered. "You couldn't, right? You have to painfully watch in the sidelines as I get whatever I want, while your friend... I'm afraid she'll be gone for awhile."
Kung may alta presyon lang ako'y kanina pa ako nasa ospital sa sobrang galit. I'm so angry I wanted to be physical but I didn't - how I wish I did dahil bago ko pa ako makagpreno ay nagtuloy tuloy na ang kasinungalingan ko.
"You can keep that insignificant award of yours to yourself.." I paused, my heart is beating so fast due to the blood pressure. "... and watch me keep the man you've always wanted."
Audrey laughed a little... then it grew hysterical.
"Primo wouldn't date you. Don't even dream of it, Alliyah." She said, her voice is threatening. "Hindi porket nakakasama mo sila sa galaan mangangarap ka na ng gising."
I smirked, then continued lying confidently. "Ask him then. Ask him if it's true."
Wala naman si Primo dito.
"Yeah.. ask me," Primo's low voice seconded.
My whole body froze, unable to look at his direction.
His voice was from the garden's benches, then I heard him walk his way towards us. It was the longest walk in my entire life. Nag iisip na ako kung saang direksyon ako kakaripas nang takbo pero hindi ko magalaw ang katawan ko sa pinaghalong galit, gulat at kaba.
He's here.
How much did he hear?
Bakit ba siya nandito?
I closed my eyes and stopped myself from falling down.
"Primo!" Audrey said, equally surprised. "Is it true? Girlfriend mo ba talaga 'tong babaeng 'to?"
He stopped in front of me.
He was wearing his white long sleeve polo, his coat is in his hand. I looked at his face in panic as I held my breathe, his eyes landed in mine.
"Stop wearing other guy's coat when you're my girlfriend, Ayah." He whispered right above my ear tauntingly, then he swiftly replaced Jaguar's coat on my shoulder with his. "Get inside. I'll take care of this."