[76] SEPARATE LIVES
KURT'S POV
I stood by the doorway as my eyes lingered around the place where I've been staying for a couple of years for the last time. As much as I don't want to do this, I must. I can't be able to move on with my life if I don't get away from this place full of memories.
"Thanks for transacting with us, Mr. Lee. Gaya ng bilin mo, iingatan namin itong unit na ito." I sold the unit to a woman whom butler Homer reffered to me. She flashed up a warm smile to me as she extended her hand for a handshake.
"No problem."
"Do you want something to drink?" she offered. I shook my head no and bid goodbye instead. She politely walked along with me out of the unit and thanked me again for selling the unit to her.
"Enjoy your new home," I said as she smiled and shut the door close when I turned away.
Amidst the pace I'm walking, I stopped for some reason and turned again to look at where I got out. I gave out a sigh as I stared at the door, remembering all the things that happened in here. Ayokong umalis, pero kailangan. Para na rin sa sarili ko.
"Kung ayaw mong mawala sayo, bakit mo ipinaubaya sa iba?"
I flinched as I heard a voice behind. I turned to look at him only to see Alex who was seriously eyeing me.
I walked past him and headed for the lift. "I don't wanna talk about her anymore. We have our separate lives now."
"I am asking about the unit, Kurt."
I stopped on my track for a second but eventually walked to the lift to wait anyway. "You know the darn reason so why bother asking?"
"So, where are you going to stay now?" tanong niya.
Nilingon ko siya at nagkibit-balikat. I don't wanna tell them what I've planned because they might interfere, but then again they would probably know about it anyway.
"Aalis muna ako. Magpapakalayo. Babalik ako kapag lumagay na ako sa tahimik." I said and faked a smile. "Let's all gather tonight before I get away tomorrow."
***
Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta ngayon. Basta ang alam ko lang ay gusto kong sulitin ang huling araw ko sa Pilipinas. I actually wanted to drive by myself but Homer seemed so persistent to go with me.
"Mamimiss mo na naman ang traffic sa Pilipinas, Sir Kurt."
I smiled as I looked out of the car's window. As usual, we're stuck again on a traffic jam. "Don't talk to me as if I won't be back, Homer," I told to him and turned my head to him, "--I promise, I'll be back."
He shook his head in disbelief while laughing sarcastically. "Aalis ka na naman. Ano bang mababago kapag umalis ka, Sir? Mas lalo ka lang lumalala eh."
I laughed along with him and turned away. Gusto ko siyang isama sa States pero ayaw niya raw iwanan ang mga magulang niya dito. I'll probably miss this one heck of a loyal man. Mas pinili niya pang magtrabaho para sa amin kaysa ang mag-asawa.
"You'll take back your words when I get back, Homer. Sisiguraduhin kong sa pagbalik ko---" bumuntong-hininga ako at pilit na ngumiti, "--- Ayos na ang buhay ko."
"Ayos? Maayos naman--"
"Babalik ako nang may sarili ng pamilya."
Hindi na siya nakakibo sa sinabi ko pagkatapos 'non kaya naman pinili kong maging abala nalang sa pagtingin sa bawat madadaanan namin. Sa loob ng ilang oras ay 'yun lang ang ginagawa namin. Taking directions without destination.
I was pre-occupied the whole ride, when I realized I fell asleep. I was awakened by a light tap on my arm. "Sir..."
I opened my eyes and felt disoriented at the moment I realized I am still in the car. "Where are we?"
"Dito nalang kita dinala, Sir."
Napaayos ako ng upo at napatingin sa labas ng bintana. Dun ko lang nalaman na nasa memorial park pala kami kung saan nakalibing ang anak ko.
Without a word, I got out of the car and went straight to Kyra's.
I never planned of coming back here after what happened the last time I visited her. Masyado pang masakit. Lalo na't dito mismo sa kinatatayuan ko nangyari ang bagay na 'yon.
As I stepped on the grave, I felt the wind touched my skin. The sunset made the surroundings turned orange and made it look so gloomy.
"Hindi na sana ako babalik dito," bulong ko habang nakatingin sa pangalang nakaukit. "I hope you'd understand. Nakita mo naman ang nangyari sa amin dito ng Mommy mo, anak, 'diba?"
Umupo ako sa harapan nito at nilinis iyon gamit ang palad ko katulad ng ginagawa ko sa tuwing bumibisita ako sa kanya.
"Kung nabuhay ka lang sana, siguro hindi kami magkakaganito. Siguro maayos ang lahat sa atin," I said and paused briefly. "... Pero may dahilan naman ang lahat diba? Things will not happen for no reason."
My eyes switched on the ring I've been wearing. For some apparent reason, I took it off and stared at it momentarily. Unti-unti na namang bumalik sa isip ko ang tungkol kay Crystal.
"Ikaw nalang siguro ang magtago nito, baby." Pumulot ako ng bato at humukay sa gilid ng lapida saka ko ibinaon dito ang singsing. "Kasabay ng pagbaon ko nito sa hukay, ibinabaon ko na rin ang mga alaala ko tungkol sa kanya."
Pinilit kong ngumiti kahit na masikip sa dibdib. Tumayo ako at napahinga ng malalim.
"Can I have a request before I leave?" I asked, disregarding how silly I am for talking to someone that is not present. "... If you really couldn't help to get your Mommy and I back together, can you at least guide her in her new life?"
Silence reigned for a moment as I shivered slightly at the wind that lingered on my skin. I got startled when I felt my phone suddenly vibrate inside my pocket so I fished it out instantly only to find out Misty was on the line.
"Misty?" I called out as I picked it up.
I heard her heave a breath as she told something that made my eyes bawl in surprise.
["Kuya, umuwi ka na. Sina Mom at Dad dumating na."]
Mabilis kaming nakarating ni Homer sa bahay. I honestly told him to get me home fast. Paanong nakauwi na ang parents ko galing States? Misty must've gone nuts. They can't be home. They just can't. Alam nilang pupuntahan ko sila roon para dun muna mamalagi.
Pagkalabas ko pa lang ng kotse ay sumalubong na agad sa akin si Misty na yakap-yakap ang teddy bear niya. "K-Kuya..."
I stopped infront of her, still puzzled. "What were you talking about? Paanong nakauwi sina Daddy?"
"I don't know. Wala akong idea," natatarantang sagot niya habang humihigpit ang yakap sa stuffed toy niya. "Nagulat nga ako kung bakit sila nandito eh. We were supposed to fly tomorrow to the States diba? Akala ko nga alam mo."
Wala akong alam!
"Sh1t."
Tuloy-tuloy na akong dumiretso sa loob ng bahay pero hinabol ako ni Misty. "Kuya, not now! 'Wag! Teka---" she stepped infront of me and spread her arms wide to stop me from entering-- "Dito muna tayo."
I frowned. "What the hell, Misty? Out of my way!"
"Noooo!"
"Tss," I hissed and walked past her but she still tried to stop me. She even ducked down and hugged my legs. "Ah, fvck! Misty, ano ba?! Stop that! Para kang bata!"
"They told me not to get inside while they're still not finish talking," she jerked up her head and pouted. "Mukhang seryoso ang pinag-uusapan. 'Wag ka na muna umepal, Kuya. Let's watch a movie instead."
"Tsk!" I got her hands off my legs and ignored what she said. "Nasaan sila?"
"Kuya! I said no----"
"Bahala ka," I retorted irritatingly and proceeded to the garden and found out whom my parents were talking to. I stopped for a bit and stepped back in bewilderment.
What the hell are they doing here?
Mas lalo akong natigilan nang lumapat ang tingin sa akin ni Mommy. "Kurt?" she called out and their attention turned to me. I froze when I confirmed who I was looking at. "Nandyan na pala ang anak ko. You have something to talk about, right? Sige, we'll leave you here for awhile."
My feet seemed to get stuck on where I am standing right now. I did not even notice that my parents left us already. Darnit! I don't consider myself either tough or even weak but with her around, I felt like my mind emptied.
"Kurt..."
I sighed and wanted to walk out of her but I can't. I still respect them despite the sh1ts they caused me.
"Nagtataka ka siguro kung bakit nandito ako," Mrs. Rivera said as she tried to sound so casual as she was. "I just wanted to apologize---"
I grinned bitterly as I cut through her words. "Forget about it, Ma'am. The damage has been done. Wala na. Nasira na. So, if you'll excuse me," I gave a single nod before turning my back on them.
"Kurt," Mrs. Rivera called out that made me stop on my track. "In case you didn't know, tomorrow is my daughter's wedding."
***
"In case you didn't know, tomorrow is my daughter's wedding."
"In case you didn't know, tomorrow is my daughter's wedding."
"In case you didn't know, tomorrow is my daughter's wedding."
"AH, SH1T!" Napabangon ako sa paulit-ulit na bumubulong sa isip ko simula pa kagabi. Ginulo ko ang buhok ko sa sobrang inis. Fvckingsh1t! Wala na ba silang alam na gawin kundi ang pahirapan ako? Bakit ba ang laki ng galit sa akin ng mga magulang ni Crystal?
Humiga ulit ako sa kama dahil naramdaman ko ang pagkirot ng sentido ko. I ditched my friends last night at the bar and got drunk all by myself. Ayokong idamay na namin sila sa katar@ntaduhan ko. Parati nalang. Tumanda nalang kami pero ako itong palaging pasan-pasan ang problema ng mundo.
How unlucky can I get more? Lahat nalang ng kamalasan, sinalo ko na yata. If I had known any better, I would have chosen to be a good sh1t than to be an arsehole before. This must be my karma-- being toyed with that fvcking b!tch called fate.
I groaned aloud when I heard some noises from outside of my room. Walang katapusan na pagkatok sa pinto ang narinig ko. Darnit!
"KURT! Bumangon ka na dyan!"
"Yuhooo! Sleepy arse! Get your arse of the bed already!"
"Master! Tok! Tok! Tok! Anybody home?!"
Napaungol ako't napabaluktot sa kama sa inis. Kung binubwsit ka nga naman, masakit na nga ang ulo ko, mukhang mas sasakit pa lalo sa mga taong nasa labas.
"Kurt! Tristan! Lee! Tristan Kurt Lee! Master!"
I sat up and threw a pillow at the door's direction. "SHUT THE FVCK UP!! I'M FVCKING SLEEPING, ID!IOTS!! GO AND JUMP OFF THE BRIDGE INSTEAD!!!"
I felt relieved when I finally heard nothing. Tumigil na sila. Makakatulog na ulit ako. I better stay on bed to get away from the bullcrap of reality than to think what's going on with this day.
"Tss!" I lied back agad and covered myself to sleep and not before I got into my peaceful slumber, I heard the creaking sound of the door.
"Kurt!"
I sat up and turned to its direction annoyingly. "Get the fvck out! Whoever gave you the permission to enter my darn room?!"
They're in complete attendance and the mere fact that they are all wearing black suits made my temper rose up even more.
"P*tang1na naman! Ano bang ginagawa niyo dito?" asik ko.
"You're coming with us, Master. Kasal ni---"
I cut off Wayne's words. "Then go and be there. Ano pang ginagawa niyo dito? Umalis na kayo!" Saka ako humiga at nagtakip ng unan sa mukha. Ano bang klaseng mga tropa ang meron ako? Can't they see I'm in a fvcking depression?!
"Kurt, ala-una na. Nandyan ka pa rin--" boses ni Derrick.
I sat up again, throwing deadly daggers at them. "Am I hearing you right? You want me to come with you? Do you even know what you're saying?" I got off the bed while shaking my head. "Gusto niyo akong pumunta sa kasal ng babaeng kinababaliwan ko ng ilang taon, para ano? Para makita ko kung paano siya ikasal sa iba? You guys should've got a knife individually and stab me right now or rather, strangle me while I was still sleeping. That'd better! Umalis na nga kayo!"
Pumasok ako sa banyo para maligo at magbabad sa bathtub. Kung pwede nga lang magpakalunod nalang ay ginawa ko kesa ang makasama ang pambubwsit ng X9. Sh1t! Some insensitive bunch of arses!
Pagkatapos kong maligo ay lumabas ako ng kwarto. Masakit pa rin ang ulo kaya medyo pinupukpok ko ito ng kamao ko habang pababa ako ng hagdan. Napansin ko ang katahimikan sa buong bahay. Wala akong marinig na boses ni Misty? Sina Daddy at Mommy, mukha wala rin.
"Manang," tawag ko sa isang maid na naglilinis ng sahig ng hagdanan. "Nasaan sina Mommy? Si Misty?"
She stood properly as she answered, "Pupunta po yata sa kasal, Sir."
What the fvck?
They might've been invited because they were part of the business world apparently, but that does not mean I need to be there too. What for? Aren't they becoming so dumb? Dammit! Mas lalo tuloy akong naiinis dahil hindi matutuloy ang pag-alis ko ng bansa. Wala na. Fvck, my parents' now home. Saan pa ako pupunta?
Soon as I set foot on the first floor, I saw the 9 men in black suits again, sitting comfortably on the sofa.
"Ba't nandito pa kayo?"
Sabay-sabay silang tumayo, saka ako nilapitan. I find their actions so darn weird but I shook the thought off my head.
"Read it," sabi ni Alex habang pinapakita sa akin ang isang SMS sa cellphone niya.
It says; "X10, you need to be there before 2PM. I'll kill you if you get late."
That made me frown in confusion. What the hell? Was this a threat?
"You see, we need to be there. So..." Alex said and then motioned the X8 to--- "Drag him to the van now."
"WHAT THE... HELL?!" I shouted at these nine men dragged me out of my house.
GAIL'S POV
"Ang ganda-ganda mo..."
Napakagat ako sa labi habang pinagmamasdan ko ang sarili kong nakasuot na ng wedding gown sa harapan ng salamin. I am almost prepared for the wedding. Sarili ko nalang yata ang hindi handa.
"Bagay sa'yo ang light make-up," sabi ng make-up artist. Kanina pa niya ako kinakausap pero hindi ko siya pinapansin. Tila wala ako sa sarili.
May kumatok bigla sa pinto kaya naman napahinto ang make-up artist at pinagbuksan ang kung sinuman 'yon.
"Sir? Naku, hindi ka pwede makipagkita sa bride!"
Napalingon ako sa narinig ko. Nagulat ako nang makita si Fifth na pumasok ng hotel suite ko. He was completely in his attire, but there's something that missing on him.
"Crystal..."
"Sir--"
"Just for five minutes," he told the make-up artist. He waited for him to leave before he walked closer to me. "You're undeniably beautiful," he complimented.
Kung noon ay lumulukso ang puso ko sa mga ganung klaseng papuri galing sa kanya, ngayon naman ay tila bato na akong hindi man lang naapektuhan.
Numb? I guess, yes.
"Bakit ka ba nandito? Ilang minuto nalang ay ikakasal na tayo. Bawal tayong magkita," sabi ko at muling humarap sa salamin.
Hindi siya sumagot. Nabigla nalang ako nang dahan-dahan niyang ipinulupot ang mga braso niya sa bewang ko mula sa likuran.
"... I'll make you happy. Trust me."
Happy? Inalis ko na ang salitang 'yan sa bokabularyo ko simula nang tanggapin kita, Fifth.