CHAPTER FORTY FIVE
NORTHERN'S POV
I watched him as he placed the foods on the table. Mabango at nakakaakit ang mga pagkain na niluto niya. I insisted to cook but he just gave me a doubtful look. Hindi niya ako hinayaang gumalaw. Maski nga ang paglakad ay kulang nalang ay ipagbawal niya.
Wearing his big shirt while my hair was in a messy bun, I inhaled the luscious foods in front of me. I was salivating but I'm just restricting myself to touch them. Kumakain naman ako ng mga masasarap na pagkain pero pakiramdam ko hindi ako nakakakain sa sobrang kagutuman.
Tinignan ko si Vape na nagtitimpla ng kape. He was topless and his back were facing me. Nakagat ko ang ibabang labi nang mapansin ang ilang kalmot dito. Iniwas ko ang tingin sakanya at tinuon ang attention sa mga pagkain sa harapan ko.
He placed my coffee making me looked up on him. Nagsalubong ang mga mata namin ngunit agad din akong umiwas. Hinawakan ko ang baso ng kape ko at doon kumuha ng init. Sobrang lamig ba naman kasi ng bahay niya. Naramdaman ko ang pag-upo niya sa kaharap kong upuan. I could still feel his stare but I keep on averting his gaze.
Hindi ko siya kayang tignan. I feel so awkward. What happened last night broke the boundary we have at each other. We go beyond the limit and I must admit, I didn't regret any piece of it. Ito na siguro ang katangahan na nagawa ko na hindi ko pagsisisihan.
"North" he called my name as if it was his favorite word.
Tumingin ako sakanya. Titig na titig siya sa akin. Wala man lang akong nakikitang pagsisisi sa mga mata niya.
"Last night---"
Umirap ako. "Yeah, what happened last night was a big mistake. I know that. It was just a one night stand so no worries. Kakalimutan ko iyon----" Halos mapatalon ako sa gulat nang bigla niyang hampasin ang lamesa. Natapon ang ilang pagkain sa lamesa ngunit wala man lang siyang pakialam doon. Nakatuon pa rin sa akin ang nagbabaga sa galit niyang mga mata.
"Just a fucking one night stand? Is that what you think of it?! Goddamit!" Tumayo siya at sinipa ang inupuan. Tumalsik ito sa pader at agad nagpiraso.
Halos tumalon ang dibdib ko sa sobrang takot sakanya. Nagtatagis ang ngipin nito sa galit. Nakayukom ang mga kamao niya ngunit hindi iyon ang inaalala ko, kundi ang sugat nito. Dumugo iyon kagabi kaya natatakot akong bumukas muli ang sugat niya sa pwersang ginagamit niya.
"V-vape, your wound..." nanginginig akong tumayo at akmang lalapit sana sakanya ngunit kaagad niya akong hinila at sinandal sa pader. "Vape!"
Madiin ang hawak niya sa balikat ko. He looked at me with rage, disappointment and frustration. Kung hindi lang ako babae ay baka kanina pa niya ako binalibag.
"How dare you do this to me? I promised you the world, Northern. How dare you think that it was just a one night stand when all I did was to make love with you?" puno ng hinanakit na sabi nito.
"Vape..."
"Please, don't hurt me."
My eyes watered. Oh gosh! Ano ba ang ginawa ko?
I held his face and gently caress it. "N-no! I'm sorry if I was being stupid. I'm sorry, oh god! I'm sorry!" Niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit.
Sinubsub nito ang mukha sa balikat ko. I caress his hair and keep on whispering my sorry.
Being entangled with him is a big mistake. I never even imagine that I'll sleep with him. The moment I saw him at the coffee shop, alam ko na sa sarili ko na problema ang kahihinatnan ko sakanya. He helped me. He stayed with me. Iyong maikling panahon na magkasama kami ay pareho naming natagpuan ang isa't isa. It may sound stupid but yeah, I guess it is really stupid. I let myself fall at the man who are so deeply in love with my sister. Sinugal ko ang sandali ng buhay ko sa taong walang kasiguraduhan na mananatili sa tabi ko. Sumugal ako kahit alam kong hindi ako mananalo.
Kung ano man ang mangyayari sa akin habang kasama siya, buong puso ko iyong tatanggapin. I won't complain. Even if he leave me at the end, I'll accept it. Sumugal ako nang walang anong inaasahan na kapalit. Bumigay ako kahit alam kong walang maibabalik sa akin.
If being with Vape was a crime, I would love to go to a jail. Oo, masyado na talaga akong baliw sakanya. Baliw na baliw.
Hinatid ako ni Vape sa bahay. Mabilis din siyang umalis, aniya ay may aasikasuhin lang siya. I entered our living room and saw my brothers on their school uniform.
"North!" West exclaimed and ran towards me. "Where have you been?" he kissed my cheek.
Sasagutin ko sana ang tanong nito ngunit nakita ko si Daddy na bumababa ng hagdanan. Magkasalubong ang kilay niya na tumingin sa akin. Umiwas ako ng tingin. I feel guilty.
"North, where have you been? I've been calling you" aniya. He doesn't sound upset but I feel like he's doubting me. O baka ako lang ang nag-iisip niyon.
"S-sorry, Dad. I had a meeting last night, tinamad na akong umuwi kaya nag hotel nalang ako" pagsisinungaling ko.
Tumango siya, tila nakahinga nang maluwag. Lumapit siya sa akin at niyapos. "If you're not home for about 48 hours, ipapahanap na kita sa mga tauhan ko. Please don't make me worry, sweetheart."
"Sorry, Dad. This won't happen again, I promise." Niyakap ko ito.
"Alright. Ihahatid ko muna ang mga bata sa school."
Tumango ako. Nagpaalam na ako sakanila bago ako umakyat sa kwarto ko. I took a quick shower and after I dry my hair, agad akong nahiga sa kama. I feel sore. My body aches. Ngayon lang ako dinalaw ng matinding pagod. Nakatulugan ko ang paghiga. Nagising nalang ako sa ingay ng cellphone ko. Kinuha ko ito at agad na sinagot nang hindi tinitignan kung sino ang tumatawag.
"H-hello?"
"North!" sigaw ng kapatid ko ang nagpabangon sa akin.
"What the hell? Why are you screaming?!" asik ko.
"This is an emergency! I fucking need you!"
Oh, great! Napatingin ako sa orasan at nakitang mag-aalas tres na ng hapon. I overslept.
"Wait, can you please calm down and tell me what the hell was going on?" Tumayo ako at mabilis na nagbihis. My phone was still on my ear, listening to her.
"I think...I'm pregnant."
Halos matisod ako sa pagbaba ng hagdanan sa sinabi niya. My phone fell on the floor. Mabilis ko iyong pinulot bago natatarantang binalik sa tainga ko. Sinapo ko ang noo ko nang bigla akong makaramdam ng hilo.
"What the fuck, Southern?" mariin kong bulong dito. My teeth clenched as I gripped my phone. "A-anong pinagsasabi mo? Gusto mo bang mamatay nang maaga? Dad will kill you, I swear, Southern! He will kill you!"
Jusko! Paanong...tangina. Hindi pa ako handang maging Tita!
"I know. That's why I need help" problemadong aniya.
"O-okay, okay! Wait me, South! I'll be there!"
Halos paliparin ko ang sasakyan ko patungo sakanila. Hindi ako magkanda-ugaga sa pagmamaneho kakaisip sa sitwasyon ng kapatid ko. Why, South? Inunahan mo pa akong punyeta ka!
Pagkarating ko sa mga Crane ay halos takbuhin ko papasok sa loob ng bahay nila.
"Nasaan si South?!" sigaw ko pagpasok ko.
Natigil ang mga Crane sa ginagawa. They all looked at me stunned and confused.
"Hilaga!" Peter beamed nang makabawi sa gulat. Binaba nito ang walis tambo na hawak at lumapit sa akin. "Nasa taas pa si Timog. Kanina pa nga siya hindi bumababa" ngumuso ito.
Hindi na ako nakasagot dito nang mabilis na humakbang ang mga paa ko paakyat sa kwarto niya. Naabutan ko si Genesis na nakatayo sa harap ng pintuan nito. He looked at me innocently.
"I think, she's sick. She never opened her door. I'm worried."
My heart melts upon seeing his worried face. God, he is so innocent! Natunaw ang namuong inis sa dibdib ko at napalitan ng awa.
"O-okay, let me do it."
He stepped back and let me knocked on South's door. "It's me! Open this door, Southern!"
Ilang sandali lang ay unti-unting bumukas ang pintuan. Tinulak ko iyon para makapasok ngunit agad ding sinara ni South pagpasok ko.
"Jesus! What the hell is wrong, Southern?" Hinawakan ko siya sa braso at tinitigan. She looked pale and mess. Halatang wala siya sa tamang katinuan.
"N-north..." Tears starting to form on her eyes. I pulled her on a tight hug and caress her back. She sobbed hard on my shoulder.
"Sshh, it's okay. Everything will gonna be alright, I assured you that" pagpapatahan ko.
It took her a while before she finally calmed down. Hinila ko siya para maupo sa kama. I held her hands and looked at her seriously.
"Tell me...si Genesis ang ama?" I couldn't mutter the word properly. Kinakapos ang hininga ko. I know I sound stupid but I just want a confirmation nang sa ganoon ay alam ko kung sino ang ituturo ko kay Daddy kung sakali.
"Malamang? Alangan namang si Baby Tiger?"
Damn, despite her condition nagawa pa niyang magsungit.
"Fine, si Genesis ang ama. What are you gonna do now? You cannot tell it to Dad? He will kill you!"
"I know, that's why I am thinking a solution."
"So, anong naisip mo?"
She bit her lip and looked at me. "I was actually thinking if I could pass my pregnancy to others."
Halos mabulunan ako kahit walang tubig dahil sa sinabi niya. "What?!"
She stood up and walked back and forth in front of me. Problemado ito at halatang pinag-isipan niya nang mabuti ang sinabi.
"I cannot be pregnant, North! Ipasa ko nalang kaya sa iba ang pagbubuntis ko? How about you instead? Ikaw nalang ang magbuntis tutal mas mukha kang Nanay kesa sa akin!"
I faced palm on her idea. I suddenly want to punch her face and crushed her brain. Sa inis ko ay tumayo ako at malakas siyang binatuhan.
"Ouch! How dare you!"
"Damn you, Southern! Bobo ka ba? Nasaan ang utak mo? Anong akala mo sa pagbubuntis application na pwedeng ipa-SHAREit o i-blutooth? Tell me, buntis ka ba talaga?!"
"S-siguro? I don't know." She shook her head.
"Ano?! Paanong hindi ka sigurado? South, have you made totoot with Genesis?"
"What is totoot?"
"Love! Did you made love?"
"We love each other, North."
Damn, I'm stressed.
"Did you...fuck? Sex, kapatid! Nag-sex na ba kayo?" I shake her shoulders. Nangigigil ako sa punyetang ito.
Her eyes went wide as she gave me a horror look. She disgustingly removed my hands and stepped back from me.
"No! We kiss but...yuck!"
Okay, I get it now. Of course she won't do that thing. Masyado siyang inosente, hindi katulad sa akin na naikama na ng lalaking mahal na mahal siya.
I felt a sharp pang inside my chest. Hindi matanggap ng sistema ko na kinama lang ako ni Vape para makalimot. But he promised me everything, right? He even admit that he is falling. Hindi naman niya siguro ako niloloko o ginagamit para makuha ang kapatid ko. Mapait akong ngumiti. Yeah, keep your hope, North. Wala namang masamang umasa. Masakit lang pero kaya mo namang tiisin ang sakit.
Umiwas ako nang tingin nang uminit ang mga mata ko. I swallowed hard and composed myself.
"How did you know you were pregnant, then?" I asked, calming myself.
"I had a dream about it."
"Ha?"
"Napanaginipan ko na buntis ako. And guess what?"
"What?"
"I'm three years pregnant!"
Jesus!
Nangigigil kong hinila ang buhok niya. Damn this woman! She's sick!
"You need to be admitted at the mental, South. You're sick!"
"Tss. Malay ko ba?" Sinuklay niya ang buhok gamit ang mga daliri. I admire how soft and shine her hair even if she's so careless about herself.
"Since I am here, may kailangan akong sabihin sa'yo" pag-iiba ko ng usapan.
She have to know. Kailangan ko siyang protektahan kay Mommy. Kahit tuluyan ko pang masira ang relasyon nila ay kailangan ko itong gawin. I need to warn her.
"What?" she looked at me.
I swallowed hard and took a deep breath. I gathered all my courage and looked at her.
"Tungkol kay Mommy."
Umasim kaagad ang mukha niya pagkabanggit ko sa Ina namin. She still hate her even if she forgives her.
"I'm not interested."
"Pero kailangan mo itong malaman. You cannot trust her!"
"I knew that from the beginning."
"Good, then. Just to let you know, she's been keeping your friend Swi---"
A loud explosion made me and South lost eact other senses. I caught myself lying on the floor with blurry vision, numb body and coughing at the thick smoke surrounding me. Ginalaw ko ang mga daliri ko, nakahinga ako nang maluwag ng nararamdaman ko pa ito.
"Argh!"
Sa kabila nang nanghihina kong katawan ay sinubukan ko paring tumayo. I saw blood on my arms, sa pagtayo ay naramdaman ko ang pagkirot ng batok ko. I held it only to feel the thick blood on it. I felt a little dizzy but that doesn't stop me from looking around to see my sister.
"S-south?" I coughed. Thick smoke keeps on blurring my vision.
"N-north..."
Nabuhayan ako nang marinig ang mahinang daing ng kapatid ko. "South! Are you okay?" I waved the smoke around me to see my sister lying on the floor. May kahoy na nakadagan sa kalahating katawan nito kaya agaran ko iyong inalis at hinawakan siya sa pisngi. "South, oh god!"
She opened her eyes and looked at me. Umubo ito at dumaing kaya tinulungan kong makatayo.
"I-I can't move my right leg" reklamo niya. Hinang hina ito kaya nilagay ko ang braso niya sa balikat ko para alalayan.
"It's okay, I'll help you. For now, let's get out of here." Saka na namin po-problemahin ang mga susunod na mangyayari pagkalabas namin dito. The smoke gets thicker and it is too dangerous to stay here. Kailangan naming makalabas.
"The Crane. N-north, ang mga Crane!" South started to panicked. She removed her hand on my shoulder and hurriedly went out the door.
"South, wait---fuck!" Sabay kaming napaubo nang bumungad sa amin ang mas makapal at maitim na usok pagbukas niya sa pintuan.
Mabilis akong lumapit sa kapatid ko kahit nahihilo na ako sa usok. I pulled her out the door and guided her out the room.
"South, hurry up!"
The house was burning. Nagkalat na ang apoy sa paligid. Some burning woods were falling from the ceiling, blocking our way down the stairs. Sinipa ko ang lahat ng nakikita kong nakaharang sa dinaraanan namin. Nanghihina at nanginginig na ako. I exhaled too much smoke making me unable to breathe properly.
"Cover your nose, South! We're almost there!"
"A-ang mga Crane, North. I can't leave without them" nanghihinang aniya.
I almost lose my hope when thick smoke covered our way out. "South, where are you going?!" I panicked when she withdraw from my arms. Nagtungo siya sa sala na ngayon ay halos hindi na maipinta. I saw her dragged a wood. Doon ay nakita ko si Psalm sa ilalim at walang malay. "Jusko!"
Tinulungan ko itong tanggalin ang kahoy para mailigtas si Psalm. "Psalm! God, please wake up!" Hinawakan ko ang pulso nito, nakahinga ako nang maluwag ng maramdamang humihinga pa siya.
Pinagtulungan namin ni South na buhatin siya para ilabas sa bahay.
"W-where's Noah? Si Peter, Isaiah, Josiah at Genesis? Where are they?" South panicked as she looked around. Akmang susugod pa sana ito sa natutupok na kusina nang pigilan ko siya.
"No, South! It's too dangerous! We need to get out from here!"
"Pero ang mga Crane! North, we need to save them!" she insisted but I pulled her hand when the huge LED light from the ceiling fall just in front of her.
She screamed in terror. I took that chance to dragged her out the house to save our ass. Luckily, nakita ko ang labasan kaya hindi kami nahirapang makalabas. Doon ay sinalubong kami ni Genesis na akmang susugod sana sa loob ng bahay.
"Southern? Oh god!" He pulled South on his chest and gave her a tight hug. Kitang kita ko ang takot at pag-aalala sa mukha niya. He even broke on tears when he held her on his arms.
Sa puno, malapit sa bahay ng mga Crane ay natagpuan ko sina Noah, Peter, Isaiah at Josiah na bumabawi mula sa pagsabog.
"Hilaga!" Noah helped me with Psalm. Ginising nila ang kapatid, laking pasasalamat ko nang magising ito matapos ang pag-ubo.
"Psalm! Huhuhu, buhay ka!"
Sinipat kong mabuti ang kalagayan ng mga Crane. I felt relieved when I saw they were all okay. May mga kaonting galos sila pero maayos pa rin. Good thing they were all escaped safely before the fire invade the house. I watched the house as it slowly eat up by the thick black smoke and flames.
Binalik ko ang tingin sa mga Crane. They were hugging and show how much they care each other. Pinanood nila ang bahay kung saan sila lumaki, I saw sadness on their eyes but above it was a relief that everyone is safe.
Help came just after I called my father. He was worried that he even came here to check our condition. Si Tito Jackal ay sobrang nag-alala rin sa mga anak. Even Princess Tatiana came rush to see her son.
Dinala kami sa hospital at ginamot. Nakatulog ako matapos akong gamutin ng Doctor, nagising lang ako nang maramdaman ang haplos sa pisngi ko. I opened my eyes only to see a pair chinky eyes looking down at me.
"Hi" I smiled weakly. Medyo kumikirot pa ang mga sugat ko sa braso at likod.
"I shouldn't let you go alone. I should have been cancelled everything just to keep you safe" aniya nang may pagsisisi sa mga mata.
Sinubukan kong umupo, agad niya akong inalalayan at tinitigan nang matiim. Ayan na naman ang nakakailang niyang tingin kaya umiwas ako.
"Vape, I'm okay. Galos lang naman ito" I convinced him but he doesn't looked like he believed me.
He frustratedly run his finger through his hair and shook his head. Nakagat ko ang ibabang labi. He looked guilty and he shouldn't be. Hindi ko alam kung papaano ko ipapaintindi sakanya na wala siyang kasalan. My hand automatically held his chin making him look at me.
Ngumiti ako para ipakitang ayos lang ako. "Vape, your concern and presence here made me feel okay. H'wag ka ng mag-alala."
"I can't help it. I promised you everything but here I am, did nothing when you were in danger. I'm so pissed of myself!"
I giggled. Damn, ang landi ko talaga. He is so cute when he is frustrated. Ang sarap panggigilan, pisilin, halikan, papakin, kainin---stop right there, Benedicto! You perverted witch!
"What's funny?" kumunot ang makinis nitong noo.
"You're so cute, Vape. I didn't know you were this protective." He tsked. I cupped his face and lean forward to kiss the tip of his nose. Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko. "That is for you being protective of me." Nginitian ko siya.
Babalik na sana ako sa pagkakasandal ko sa kama ngunit bigla niyang hinila ang leeg ko at siniil ng mariing halik sa labi. I was shocked but immediately gathered myself and returned his deep kisses. We stayed like that for a moment. Suddenly, I realized how romantic to be kissed on a hospital bed while you were admitted. Crazy but sweet.
Natigil lang ang halikan namin nang may biglang tumikhim. Halos maitulak ko si Vape pero buti nalang nakontrol ko ang sarili. I looked at the invader and almost lost my breathing when I saw Dad, leaning on the door with his crossed arms and perfect brow arc. He may looked calm but his eyes tell the opposite. Ang pagtiim bagang niya ang nagsasabing kamatayan ang kahihinatnan naming dalawa ni Vape.
"D-dad..."
"S-sir..."
Maging si Vape ay namutla. I suddenly wish the ground will open up and swallow me whole. I had to take back what I had thought earlier. Kissing at the hospital bed isn't romantic at all, not when your parent caught you on the spot! Dammit, this is tragic!
"Before I investigate the incident earlier, I had to know first why the hell is that man kissing my first born daughter? A death penalty will be applied without the answer in just three seconds. One!"
Dad starts counting and my spirit almost left my body. Sweats formed on my forehead as well as Vape's. Kung kabado ako ay mas kabado siya. We both knew how Dad was serious on his words.
"Two!"
My mouth ran dry. Nakalimutan ko na ang tungkol sa sunog at sa mga sugat ko. Nakalimutan ko na rin na anak ako ng Presidente ng Pilipinas, pakiramdam ko isa akong pusher na nahuli ng mga PDEA na gumagamit sa akto. I feel weak and innocent like a baby.
"Three---"
"I love her." Vape's words broke the prayers in my head. I looked at him stunned at his words. "Call me stupid for falling to the woman whom I find very annoying and brat. I hate noisy people, I hate being dragged somewhere. I hate being demanded and I hate woman who cries a lot. And I hate myself more for falling to that kind of person. I hate it but I love how it changed me."
Tila may mainit na palad ang humaplos sa malamig at matigas kong puso. Hearing his words made me on tears. Buong buhay ko, ako palagi ang nagbibigay ng pagmamahal sa pamilya at kapwa. I never mind without them returning my love, all I wanted is to spread love. Now, seeing this man confessing his love and how did he fell in love with me made my heart palpitates. In so damn good way.
"Vape..."
He looked at me and held my hand tightly. "I'm sorry, it took me long to confess this but I really do fell in love with you, North."
I sobbed and nodded. Labis na kaligayahan ang nararamdaman ko.
Dad cleared his throat again. Binalik ko ang tingin sakanya at nakitang hindi ito natutuwa sa nakikita.
"Dad, nagmamahalan kami. Can you please stop being bitter na? Let us be happy!"
He shook his head and looked at us. Sadness and pain written on his eyes.
"I am not bitter. I just cannot accept that my Princesses finally found their Prince. Hindi ko matanggap. Mga dalaga na talaga kayo" naiiyak na aniya bago kami iniwan sa kwarto.
Nagkatinginan kami ni Vape. We both sighed in relief after Dad leave.
"So you fell in love with me?" tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
Umiwas ito ng tingin. His cheeks reddened and I giggled. Damn, cutie!
"Yeah, I guess it is" nahihiyang aniya.
I bit my lower lip and restrain myself from kissing him hard. I could see myself getting addicted at him even harder. Hindi na ako magtataka kong mahuli ako ng PDEA sa sobrang pagka-addict sakanya.
_
SOUTHERN's POV
I stare at the white ceiling. May nakatusok sa akin na dextrose at may ilang benda ang katawan ko. My body feel numb but my heart is screaming in anger and pain. Gustong gusto kong bumangon para patayin ang mga hayop na nagpasabog sa bahay namin. Gusto kong gumanti, pumatay at pumatay hanggang sa magsawa ako. But all my plans were impossible to do since my left hand chained on the bed metal frame.
"Is she okay?" I heard my brother East voice.
"Yeah, she was just chained to maintain world peace" it's West voice.
Habang nililista ko ang mga kabrutalan na gagawin ko sa isipan ay bigla kong naramdaman ang kamay ng kapatid ko. Hinarang niya ang maliit na mukha sa tinitignan ko kaya ito ang natitigan ko.
"Ate, you didn't lose your mind just yet, right?" tanong ni East.
Umiling ako.
"Good, 'cause I want to tell you something. I want to open it to you first before I tell it to Dad," Hinintay ko itong magpatuloy. "Ear piercing is cute, isn't it?"
Tumango ako. His face beamed in delight.
"Can I put a hole on my left ear?"
Umiling ako. Ngumuso siya.
"Why not? It's cute! Girls will drool at me when I look cool!" Umiling ulit ako. "But I thought you like it?" Tumango ako. "You're not crazy, right?" I nooded again. "Then you will understand why I want to have a piercing?" I nod. "So are you allowing me?" Umiling ako. "Ate naman e! I will help you pa naman get that thing out of your hand!" Humalukipkip siya at inirapan ako.
"You will?" I asked.
Tumango siya. "Yup! If you will just allow me have a piercing" tila batang pangungunsensya niya.
"Okay."
"Okay?!" Excitement rose up in him. Tumango ako.
"Yeah. Let me get out of here and you will get your reward." That excites him more.
"Alright, alright! But we need to make a plan. I can't beat those goons alone" tukoy niya sa mga bantay sa labas.
"They are too many, Ate. Even if I manipulated the CCTV'S they will still caught us!" sabi naman ni West.
"You will have a piercing too?"
Tila anghel itong ngumiti at tumango. "I find it cool! Wikepedia has a piercing on his tongue!"
"So how will the two of you help me out here?" tanong ko.
They looked at each other as they looked at me and grinned devilishly.
"Leave it to us, Ate."
I reload my gun after I spit the gum in my mouth. Maingat kong tinago ang baril sa likod ko at sinipat ang tingin ang paligid. Unti-unting nagdadatingan ang mga tao sa lugar, everyone dressed pretentiously. Pasikatan sila sa kasuotan maging sa mga sasakyang dala.
A horn of a sport car got my attention. That's my cue to leave my lurking place. Maingat at mabilis akong naglakad sa dilim na parte ng lugar hanggang sa makalapit ako sa sasakyan. I open the passenger seat and went inside.
"Did you have it?" tanong ko.
"Of course" he handed me a paperbag. "Si Atarah ang pumili diyan. I don't trust her fashion taste but that's all we have. I just hope you won't kill me after you see it" terror filled his innocent eyes.
"I won't kill you, Rucc. Not yet."
Umismid ito bago ko binuksan ang paperbag. I took out a sexy black halter dress. May mahabang punit sa kanang binti nito. May mga diamond na nakakabit sa tela ng damit dahilan para magningning ito sa t'wing natatapatan ng liwanag. It looked magnificent, sexy nga lang ang dating.
"It's fine."
Nakahinga siya nang maluwag. "That's great! Now, wear this. You will be needing this." Inabot niya sa akin ang isang itim na maskara. It matches the gown. Diamonds were embroidered on it making it looked elegant.
"Thanks."
I looked myself in the rearview mirror. I was now dressed in the gown. Kinatok ko ang bintana at iyon ang hudyat ni Rucc para pumasok muli sa sasakyan.
"W-wow, you looked great on that dress" puri niya nang makita ako.
Ngumiti ako. "Thanks."
Tinapat ko ang rearview mirror sa mukha ko at nilabas ang red lipstick na dinekwat ko sa bag ni North kanina. I applied it on my lips. Nakasubaybay lang si Rucc sa akin. Nang matapos ay ginulo gulo ko ang mahaba at medyo kulot-kulot kong buhok bago maayos na binagsak sa balikat gamit ang mga daliri. It is now looked like a professional stylist did a magic on my hair.
"Wow, didn't know you have a talent, Master" aniya.
Ngisi lang ang ginanti ko bago tumingin sa labas. Parami na nang parami ang mga dumadating na sasakyan. Tonight is the Sigma's annual Night Forum. Dadalo lahat ng myembro ng organisasyon, that includes my Mom will be here also.
"Coby secured the perimeter and Atarah, she's already inside the arena. Naghihintay sila sa cue natin" he announced while manipulating something on his laptop.
"And the hallways?" I asked, putting my gun on the gun pocket attached on my right leg. Kinuha ko ang dalawang dagger sa dashboard at tinago iyon sa pagitan ng damit at balat ko sa likod. Kumuha rin ako ng dalawang shurriken at inipit naman iyon sa dibdib ko.
"That's the problem. May mga bantay."
Tumango ako bago sinuot ang itim kong maskara. "We'll work on that."
Rucc wore his plain black maskara. Terno iyon sa itim na tuxedo. He didn't bring a gun, instead nag-ipit siya ng mga daggers sa katawan at suot bago bumaling sa akin.
"Let's go?"
I smirked and nodded at him. Una siyang lumabas at umikot papunta sa akin para pagbuksan ng pinto. He offered his hand and I gladly accepted it.
"Shall we?" Sinukbit ko ang braso sa braso niya bago namin sabay na tinahak ang daan papuntang entrance.
Hinarang kami ng dalawang malalaking lalaki nang subukan naming pumasok.
"You knew the drill, people" ani nila.
I rolled my eyes heavenwards. Hinawi ko ang mahaba kong buhok sa likod at pinakita ang likod. Ngumiti ako nang makita na napalunok ang isang lalaki. Nang tumango siya ay agad kong pinatong sa kamay niya ang kanang binti ko, making him shocked like a fuck.
"I'm clear." His face flushed. Binawi ko ang binti ko bago maharot na kumapit muli sa braso ni Rucc. He was checked by the other man. Pinakita niya lang ang sapatos at ang loob ng coat nito. "Shall we go inside? We cannot missed the fun!" I cheerfully said.
"Y-you can now enter" nauutal na saad ng nag-check sa akin. I gave him a wink before flirtatiously waved at him.
Narinig ko ang pahinang pagtawa ni Rucc pagkalayo namin. "Your boyfriend will surely freak out when he found out you showed your leg to another guy."
"Yeah, and he will kill them too" I agreed thinking Genesis' reaction. Siguradong magwawala din ito kapag nalamang tumakas ako sa hospital.
"Ate, what if I pretend as your second version?" East suggested. They were both excited about the escapades. They considered it as their first mission as an secret agent.
"That's too common, East. How about we beat those goons and get the key?" suhesyon naman ni West.
"That's imposible. There are too many, and look at yourself, brother, you're too thin and innocent" East point his brother's body.
Ngumuso si West bago nakangusong bumaling sa akin. "What is our plan, Ate? You see, we are suck when it comes to this. Train us to be a badass!"
I tsked and studied the cuffed on my wrist. There's no other way to get this thing off aside from the key. Kailangang makuha ang susi para makatakas ako.
"Where's Dad?" I asked.
"He's on North's room" nakalumababa si West sa kama ko. "I saw your friend went in her room. I think he is North's boyfriend."
"Who's friend?"
"The techy guy!"
"Si Kuya Vape, Ate. I was actually curious why he went in North's room instead of going to see you first. Are they close?"
I felt my body went numb. Gumuhit ang kirot sa dibdib ko pagkarinig sa pangalan ni Vape. He's here. Hindi ko maitanggi ang pangungulila na nararamdaman ko para sakanya. Yes, I miss him. I miss my best friend.
I shook my head as memories at Japan flashed inside my head. I inflicted a lot of pain on him, kaya naiintindihan ko ngayon kung bakit mas pinili niyang hindi magpakita sa akin.
"Ate, are you okay?"
Tumango ako bago ngumiti. I hide the longing I felt for my best friend. "Hmm. So can you distract Dad from coming here?" pag-iiba ko ng usapan. I am not comfortable hearing Vape's name. Nasasaktan ako.
"I can do that, Ate!" East volunteered.
"Great, so I assumed West will gonna help me with the CCTV'S?" bumaling ako sa isa.
Nagningning ang mga mata niya. Halos pumalakpak ang mga tenga sa narinig.
"I would love that!"
Nabuo ang plano namin. After East distracted Dad and made him believe that Nanang and Tatang had a chaotic at house he immediately went home to see the two. Samantalang abala naman si West sa tabi ko habang hawak ang tablet niya kung saan minamanipula niya ang mga camera ng hospital. He's very serious, he's really taking this as their first mission. Makalipas lang ng tatlong minuto ay malaki na ang ngiti niyang tumingin sa akin.
"This is so basic!"
I smirked and messed his hair. "Very good, Agent West." Hindi maipagkakaila na mahuhusay ang dalawa kapag computer ang usapan. "Now, let's proceed to the next part. This is going to be exciting so buckle up, boys!"
Napapalakpak sila sa excitement. I settled myself on the bed and cleared my throat. East positioned himself at the door and wait for my signal. Binuksan naman ni West ang bintana ng kwarto at hinulog ang unan doon. I gave East a nod. After his count he drastically opened the door and screamed.
"Help! Kuya guard, help!"
"Ano iyon?" Dinig ko ang pagka-alarma ng mga bantay.
"My brother needs a help! I need your help---oops, not you, you Kuya guard, I want you to help my brother!" Tulak-tulak ni East ang bantay na may hawak ng susi ng posas ko. Nagtangkang pumasok ang iba ngunit mabilis na sinara ng kapatid ko ang pintuan. "I only need him!"
"Ano iyon, Sir?" The guard look at us curiously and suspiciously.
Tumikhim ako at umiwas ng tingin. From my peripheral vision I saw him went towards West.
"The pillow fell outside. Can you reach it for me, please?" He used his puppy-dog eyes that no one can ever resist.
"Ano po ba ang nangyari? Bakit napunta ang unan sa labas ng bintana?" usisa ng bantay.
"I don't know. Baka naglakad papunta diyan o hindi kaya ay pinalayas sakanila." He shrugged his shoulders.
"Just get it Kuya, my sister won't sleep without her favorite pillow" East convinced him.
Tumingin sa akin ang bantay kaya nagpacute ako. I bath my lashes and pouted my lips. Damn, I hate myself for doing this. Mukha namang naawa siya kaya kahit mataas ang bintana ay sinubukan niyang sumampa dito para abutin ang unan. I gave East a nod and he looked at West.
"Sige, Kuya! Bend over more! Get the pillow!" he cheered to the guy.
East did his thing. He slowly picked the key on the guard's pocket. Todo cheer naman si West dito para madistract siya. When East finally got the key, he immediately put it inside his pocket. Sakto namang naabot na ng gwardiya ang unan.
"Thank you so much, Kuya! I'll tell Dad he must give you a reward for your bravery! You're so cool!" West hugged him and gave a thumbs up sign on me.
I smiled, feeling proud with them. Kapag nalaman ni North na tinuruan ko ng kabulastugan ang dalawa, paniguradong papatayin niya ako.
"What's funny?"
Lumingon ako kay Rucc na may nagtatakang tingin sa akin. I almost forgot we are in Sigma. Umiling ako bago ngumiti.
"May naalala lang ako" sagot ko.
Napailing siya at ngumiti bago kami lumiko sa pasilyo kung saan walang masyadong dumadaan. Maingat akong luminga sa paligid, from the corner of the ceiling, I saw a CCTV camera. I saw its red indicator that tells it is still recording but I doubt it is. It is really good to keep a techy friend around you.
Rucc gave me a nod when he saw a room. Lumapit ako rito at nagbilang ng tatlo bago niya dahan-dahan na binuksan ang pintuan. Hinugot ko ang isang dagger sa likod ko at hinanda iyon. Naunang pumasok si Rucc, he gave me a sign that the room was clear. Sunod akong pumasok matapos kong masigurado na walang nakakita sa amin.
"There's a three in there. Makaka-akyat tayo kung wala sila" turo niya sa tatlong gwardiya sa baba ng hagdanan. Nag-uusap ang mga ito. May mga dala silang malalaking baril bilang armas.
"Let's go."
Tinago ko ang kamay na may hawak na dagger sa likod ko. I sling my left arm on his as we casually walked towards them. Rucc cleared his throat.
"Excuse me."
They looked at us alarmed at our presence. Agad nilang hinarangan ang hagdanan at hinanda ang armas.
"Sir, Ma'am, bawal kayo rito" ani ng isa.
"I know, and I like breaking bawal's" I said and grabbed the neck of the one guy and twisted it.
Rucc made his move, mabilis niyang pinatumba ang isa. Akmang magpapaputok pa sana ang isang natira pero mabilis kong hinagis sa leeg niya ang dagger ko. He fell on the floor, lifeless. Pinagtulungan naming iligpit ang mga ito. Hinugot ko muna ang kutsilyo sa leeg ng isa at pinunas ito sa damit niya.
"Better" I smiled.
"Let's be hurry, in no time may papasok na dito."
We went upstairs casually. Isang gwardya lang ang bumungad sa amin na nagbabantay sa pulang pintuan. He was alarmed when he saw us walking towards him. He pointed his gun on us.
"Anong ginagawa niyo dito?" his stern voice were dangerous.
"We're lost" I said coldly.
"Stay on your position, people, or else I'll shoot you on the head" he warned.
Imbes na tumigil ay naglakad pa ako papalapit sakanya. Hinawakan ko ang katawan ng baril nito at inagaw. He was shocked but I didn't let him regain his senses. Mabilis kong pinukpok sa ulo niya ang baril at hinampas pa ito sa batok niya dahilan kung bakit ito bumagsak at nawalan ng malay. Pinasa ko kay Rucc ang baril. He reload it and nodded at me. I pulled the gun on my leg and kicked the door harshly. Kaagad bumungad sa akin ang gulat na mukha ni Mommy, kasama si Lachlan at isang babae na nakagown katulad ko.
"South?!" Mom stood up abruptly. Shocked registered on her face.
Kinaway ko ang baril ko sakanya matapos kong tanggalin ang maskara ko . "Hi, Mother. Hello, traitor" baling ko naman kay Lachlan. "and hello woman" I looked at the girl next to my mother. "Shocked to see me? Well, you should expect me hunting your life after what you did to me" nagtagis ang mga ngipin ko.
"Anak" Mom composed herself. Huminga siya nang malalim hanggang sa biglang sumigla ang mukha niya. "Of course, I know you will be here! It's Sigma's Night Forum! You're the rank one---"
"I resigned remember?" I cut her off.
"Southern, listen--" she was about to move closer to me when I pointed my gun at her. Her eyes went wide. She swallowed hard as she raised her both hands like a guilty criminal. "Anak..." pain visible on her eyes.
"H'wag mo akong tatawaging anak, you wicked!" anger crept inside me. Nanginginig ako sa galit, nag-aalab ang loob ko sa matinding sakit at lungkot na nararamdaman.
She inflicted too much pain to me, and now here she goes again? Hindi ba siya titigil hangga't hindi ako nakikitang nagdudusa?
"Southern, put down your gun" Lachlan tried to move but I shoot the lamp beside him making him jump in surprise. "Fuck!"
"Stay on your feet, asshole. Move and I will fucking shoot you on the head. Don't mess with me" malamig kong banta dito.
He swallowed and obeyed me like a child.
Binalik ko ang tingin kay Mommy na ngayon ay naiiyak na. Oh, dear Mom, you cannot fool me.
"Sabihin mo sa akin, ikaw ba ang nagpasabog sa bahay ng mga Crane?!" sigaw ko.
Pain and sadness crossed on her teary eyes. Ilang sandali siyang natahimik hanggang sa tumango ito.
"Yes, I did that. Congratulations, your prediction was right. Tama nga lang na sumugod ka rito dahil pinahamak ko kayo. I'm sorry about that."
Sarkastiko akong natawa. Tangina. Tangina talaga.
"Sorry?! Sa tingin mo kayang gamutin ng sorry mo ang mga sugat namin?! You almost killed us! You ruined our lives! Do you really think your sorry is enough?! Demonyo ka!"
"S-south.." she shook her head.
"Binalaan na kita, hindi ka nakinig. Ano ba talaga ang problema mo?!"
Her tears fell on her cheeks. Wala akong pakialam. Matagal nang naging yelo ang puso ko sakanya.
She wiped her tears and looked at me coldly. Suddenly, she changed. Suddenly, she became cold and heartless.
"You knew what I want, Southern. I want you back here at Sigma. I want you to rule our Kingdom. Sinabi ko na sa'yo, hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi mo napapagtanto na mas kailangan mo ako kesa sa ama mo. But I'm sure, you will eventually realized it. I just need to pursue you more, even if it means harming your Cranes."
Nagtagis ang bagang ko. Pakiramdam ko umakyat lahat ng dugo ko sa ulo kaya umuusok na ito. I'm feeling too much frustration and rage. I'm just restraining myself to shoot her head because she is still my mother.
"I hate you!" sigaw ko.
Mapait siyang ngumiti. "Alam ko pero umaasa pa rin ako na baka may pagmamahal ka pa ring natitira diyan sa puso mo para sa akin. You are just blinded, South. I hope someday you will understand and be able to forgive me" lumamlam ang mga mata nito habang nakatitig sa akin. "patawarin mo sana ako. I'm sorry but I have to do this." She looked at the woman beside her.
Kumunot ang noo ko ngunit ganoon nalang ang gulat ko nang mabilis itong lumapit sa akin at inagaw ang baril ko. Hinagis niya ito sa direksyon ni Lachlan na mabilis namang tinago. A hard punch on the face made my vision get blurry. Hindi pa man ako nakakabawi ay malakas na suntok sa sikmura ang ginawad ng babae sa akin bago umikot para bigyan pa ako ng mabilis na sipa sa mukha. I fell on the ground, feeling dizzy as my body flamed in pain. Hindi na ako nakatayo nang sipain ako sa likod at diniin sa sahig ng babae. I groaned in pain.
"South---fuck!"
From my blurry vision, I saw Rucc fell on his knees as Lachlan shoot him on his leg. Napamura ito sa sakit habang sapu-sapo ang binting duguan.
"R-rucc...damn!" Idiniin lalo ng babae ang sapatos sa likod ko. Mas lalo akong nagprotesta sa sakit. I cannot even move my body, I feel numb and my vision doesn't giving me a justice. Napadaing ako nang malakas nang biglang hablutin ng walangyang babae ang buhok ko para iharap sakanya. She bend his one knee and smirked at me. Sa kabila nang hilo at panlalabo ng mga mata ko ay natitigan ko pa rin ang mukha niya.
She does look familiar to me. Very familiar. I could even feel like she was very close to me. I stare at her eyes and until a realization hit me.
"That's right, looked at my face, South Benedicto because this is the face who will end your prescious life. Oh by the way, I'm Akari, your Death.." she smirked.
No. This can't be.
Isang sampal ang ginawad niya sa akin. Suddenly, I remembered our first meeting. Her innocent eyes behind her thick glasses. Her smile that warms my heart. Her simplicity and life perspective. Ang pansit na dinadala niya sa akin. Ang concern niya sa t'wing absent ko. At ang mga ngiti niya tuwing nahihiya.
"S-swiss.."
Natigilan siya ngunit ilang sandali lang ay ngumisi ito ng nakakaloko. Malayong malayo sa ngiting pinapakita niya sa akin noon.
"That's right, South. Did I shocked you to the core?"
My body felt numb. I'm hurt physically but what's killing me is the pain I am feeling inside. Ganito pala ang pakiramdam ng tinraydor.
"Damn you..." I gritted my teeth.
Ngumiti lang siya bago muling akong sinapak sa mukha.
I could taste the blood on my mouth. Damn this woman! Pasalamat siya hindi ako makagalaw at gulat pa ako dahil kung malaya lang ako ay babasagin ko talaga ang bungo niya. Tanginang traydor na 'to. And she said she is Death. All this time, ang nagtatagong anak ni Sylina ay nakapalibot lang sa akin. I treated her as my friend, a real friend of mine.
Nagtagis ang bagang ko. Pain consumed my whole being. Ang sakit, lungkot at galit ay naghalo sa loob ko.
Kita mo nga naman ang walangya buhay pa, but what made my anger grew bigger is when I realized she was with my Mom all this time. Magkakampi sila una palang.
Ang babaeng nakamotor na palaging sumusugod sa akin. The school accidents, It was Swiss and it was my Mom's plan. Sa isiping iyon ay mas lalong nagpatindi ng galit na nararamdaman ko.
"Fuck you..." nanghihina kong saad.
"Oh, I consider that as an compliment--"
"Stop that, Death, and I hate you for hurting her. I only told you to stop her from freaking out" Mom cold voice made me clenched my fist.
Kinasusuklaman ko siya higit pa kanino. Kung umakto ito parang hindi niya ako anak, parang sarili niya lang ang iniisip niya. I hate her so much that I even wish that she was not my real mother.
"Sorry, Mom. I was excited" she grinned devilishly. She harshly released my hair making me flinched.
Damn you! Humanda ka sa aking hayop ka!
Wait, did she just call my Mom a Mom? Ah, talaga? Tangina nila!
Sa matinding galit at selos na gumapang sa mga ugat ko ay nagawa kong igalaw ang katawan ko. I grabbed my dagger and just a swift move, it is now sinking into Akari's leg.
She screamed in pain. Hindi ito magkandaugaga sa paghawak sa binti niyang duguan. She looked at me, anger crossed on her wicked eyes.
"Fuck you!" sigaw niya.
I smirked at her tauntingly. "Wait for the next, bitch."
"I'll kill you!" Sa inis niya ay muli niyang hinila ang buhok ko. I groaned and Mom tried to stop her but she is only listening to herself.
"Akari, stop that! You're hurting my daughter!"
"I'm going to kill you!"
She banged her head on mine making everything went dark.
__