"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up."
-Vince Lombardi
CHAPTER FIFTY THREE
SOUTHERN'S POV
"Run!"
I watched them as they ran around the block. They were all on their active wears, proper sport shoes and bottled water. Sweat dripping down into their sculpted body, it was glistening like a diamonds in the beam of post lights. They looked pretty exhausted but we are not yet done, we just starting.
"Warming up is vital to your muscles' ability to do work! You cannot undergo a physical training with your muscles loose. You need to exercise them and prepare them for possible physical pain!" I shouted walking back and forth with my hands behind my back. I was holding my almost empty bottled water as I assess their training.
Wearing a black leggings, active gray shirt and black rubber shoes, I feel comfortable for the hardcore training for the Crane Brothers--Genesis was exempted by the way. You cannot expect him to join, mas gugustuhin pa niyang matulog nalang kesa magpapawis. And beside, he was well skilled to learn basic self-defense so he choosed to stay home and sleep while his brothers tormenting their selves just to learn how to defend their life.
It has been a week since we received Akari's threat. Makalipas ng tatlong araw niyon ay muntikang makidnap si Isaiah at Gyro sa school nila. It was a good thing that North was there to protect them. Akari was not just so wise to pick a proper place to abduct them. Magmula noon ay mas triniple ni Daddy ang security sa amin, Tito Jackal as well made sure his sons was secured and protected. Akari is now in search of the public as Dad publicize her identity. She's good at hiding, I must say that. Kahit anong connection na ang gamitin ni Daddy ay hindi pa rin ito matunton ngunit alam ko na nandiyan lang siya sa paligid, waiting to attack us.
So this stupid yet reasonable traning was held to at least lengthen the Cranes life if ever Akari laid her filthy hands at them. Hindi nila kayang takasan ang kamatayan ngunit kaya naman nilang ipospone nang kaonti ang time of death nila. Tito Jackal assigned me to provide training for his sons, for him, he cannot trust anyone other than me. It left me no choice but to take in-charge, I don't trust anyone either.
"Noah, Psalm and Josiah, give me 50!" sigaw ko.
The three men looked at each other curiously until Psalm reach for his pocket. "Bente muna South, hehe. Mamaya na 'yung 30!" inabutan niya ako ng benteng papel.
"Oh, Timog. Baon ko 'yan ng limang araw pero magtitiis akong hindi kakain sa recess" nakangusong inabot naman ni Noah sa akin ang 50 pesos niya.
Josiah scratch his head and pouted as he looked at me innocently. "Ilista mo muna ang name ko, South-chan. Babayaran kita kapag rich kid na ako" pakiusap niya.
I sighed deeply and face-palm. Sinasabi ko na nga ba at iba ang pagkakaintindi nila. Tumingin ako sakanila matapos kong pakalmahin ang sarili. It's too early in the morning to feel high pressure, ni hindi pa nga sumisikat ang araw e.
"100. Give me one hundred push-ups!" maotoridad na utos ko.
"Waaaaah! Heto na!" Mabilis silang dumapa sa lupa at nag push-ups nang sabay-sabay.
"1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8...!"
As they continue doing their task, I gave my attention to Peter and Isaiah who are still running around. Pumito ako dahilan para tumigil sila at tumingin sa akin, stretching at pagtakbo palang ang ginagawa nila pero pawis na pawis na sila. Lumapit sila sa akin nang parehong hinihingal. Both hands were on their knees as they looked at me curiously.
"Give me 100 push-ups!" I commanded which they immediately obliged. I watched the gorgeous men aligned in front of me and do what I had said. I continue my lecture while walking back and forth again. "You must know the basics of karate. I may not have a proper schooling for it but I must say that I wasn't stupid. Ituturo ko sa inyo ang kaya niyo lang malaman pero bago iyon ay kailangan niyo munang maging physical at mentally ready para dito. And I want you all to know that this wasn't a game. Don't play around or else I will punish whoever disobey me!"
Bigla silang tumigil at kahit nakadapa ay kita ko ang paglunok nila. Isaiah looked up on me with his eyes filled with anxiety. Sweat dripping down on his face down to the cold grass and it was like, any moment the small grass will grow beautiful flowers.
"A-anong parusa, South?" kinakabahang tanong niya.
Ngumisi ako nang nakakaloko dahilan para mas lalo silang kinabahan. Tinuro ko ang mataas na puno ng niyog sa dulo, sinundan nila ng tingin ang daliri ko.
"Kita niyo iyang puno? Isasabit ko kayo diyan" I feel amazing when I saw them swallowed loudly.
"Nakakatakot ka naman Timog" sabi ni Noah.
Sumang-ayon ako sa sinabi niya. "Yup! You must have fear in me!"
A slow clapped interrupted my egoism. We all turned to the new arrivals, carrying their own sports bag. Rucc and Coby was still sleepy, their hair was disheveled naturally like they just get up in bed and walked in here. Si Atarah lang ang buhay na buhay sakanilang lahat na tila ang paggising nang maaga ay natural lang sakanya. She was on her black sports bra and leggings. Itim din ang sapatos at nakatali nang mataas ang kulay dugong buhok.
"Wow! Cruelty in its finest!" she said eyeing the men below me. "Patapos na kayo?" she asked looking back at me.
"Kakasimula palang namin."
"Kung ganoon bakit parang mahihimatay na sila?" tukoy niya sa mga hinihingal na Crane.
Hindi ko siya sinagot bagkus ay sinenyasan ko ang mga Crane na ituloy ang ginagawa na agad naman nilang sinunod. Rucc and Coby started stretching after they settled their bag on the bench. Halatang inaantok pa sila kaya kung anu-ano ang ginawa para magising ang diwa.
"Anong ginagawa niyo rito?" tanong ko nang may pagtataka. I never asked them to be here, unless..
"Tinext kami ni Psalm, Master. This is interesting so I risked my beautiful dream just to be here" nakangiti ngunit halatang nanunumbat na sagot ni Rucc. He was on his gray shirt and black active short. Kay Coby naman ay dilaw ang suot at itim na short.
Sinasabi ko na nga ba.
Huminga ako nang malalim bago tumingin sa kalangitan. It was turning into blue as the sun starting to rise up.
"Alright, tutal nandito naman na kayo, might as well pakinabangan ko nalang kayo" I said, opening my bottled water for a drink.
"Sounds bad" Atarah remarked.
**
"Your kicks and strikes won't be effective if you don't have a proper stance. Now, put your one foot forward, making the back foot out in a 45-degree angle. Put all your weight at the back foot and raise your front in a count of three!" sigaw ko.
They immediately obliged my command. Positioning their selves, I count one to three and they all raised their front leg in a kicking stance.
"Yaaah!"
"Waaah!"
Napailing ako sa nakitang resulta. They barely raised their leg properly. They lack of flexibility and that is something I have to fix. Hindi sila makakagalaw ng maayos kung halos hindi nila maitaas ang paa.
"Coby, show them how to do it properly" utos ko kay Coby. Masayang gumitna naman ito at ginawa ang instructions ko kanina sa mga Crane. He has a good stance and raised his front leg effortlessly leaving the men agape.
"Wow! Napaka-angas mo, Coby!"
Coby bowed after they complimented him.
"Be aware of your balance! Ang pakikipaglaban ay hindi lang basta-basta pagsipa o pagsuntok sa kalaban, you must have a proper stance to do it! While spreading your legs, you must lower it, providing yourself stability for your attack!" I said while Rucc and Coby do the presentation for me. Nakanganga at nagpapawis naman ang mga Crane sa pagnood sakanila. Atarah on the other side was doing her yoga. May sarili siyang mundo kung saan hindi kami kabilang. "Concentrate on your power and speed! Hindi lang pag-flex ng muscle ang importante, dapat matuto rin kayo kung papaano unahan ang kalaban niyo. Kung tatanga kayo, edi tigok kayo agad. Palagi niyong tandaan ang first rule ko!"
"Bawal tanga!" they said in unison.
Tumango ako. "Next is the punching and blocking! Psalm and Josiah, come here!" tawag ko sa dalawa. Agad silang lumapit sa akin nang may pagtataka. "Josiah, suntukin mo si Psalm" utos ko sa bunso.
Agad nanlaki ang mga mata niya. He looked at me in horror and shocked, then in just a snap he started crying. "Waaah! Ayaw ko!"
I expect this. "Okay. Psalm, suntukin mo siya" utos ko sa isa.
Katulad sa kasama, agad din itong nagiiyak at kwinento kung gaano kamahal ang kapatid.
"Sige, ako nalang susuntok sa inyo." Nagkatinginan sila, parehong gulat at takot. Sunud-sunod ang paglunok nila hanggang sa sumuko na rin ang isa.
"S-sige, South, hehe susuntukin ko nalang si baby Josiah ko" Psalm said looking at his brother nervously.
Lumunok naman ang isa at hinintay ang suntok ng kapatid. Niyakap muna ni Psalm si Josiah. Nag-iyakan sila.
I sighed dumbfoundingly. Maging ang mga kaibigan ko ay napangiwi sa kadramahan nila.
"J-josiah, susuntukin na kita, ha? Patawad kung masasaktan kita! Waaaaah!"
"Okay lang kaps, suntukin mo na ako huhuhu!"
Then Psalm hit him sofly at the face. Josiah doesn't even flinch but pretended he was hurt.
"Waaaaah! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!"
Hays.
**
"Straight punch! Upper-cut! Knife-hand! Spear-hand! Elbow strike! Backfist---what the hell are you doing, Isaiah? Keep moving!" I shouted breathlessly.
The sun was already in the horizon, warm yet gentle breeze of air embracing our sweating body. Ilang oras na ang nakalipas ngunit hindi pa rin tumitigil ang mga Crane sa pag-aaral. I could see their dedication even if they are too exhausted already. Basang basa na ang mga damit nila kaya topless na ang mga ito habang nageensayo. Their tight muscles were on display, abs sparkling inviting everyone to have a taste on them.
Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko nang makita si Noah na binuhos ang tubig sa mukha. It was like a slow motion when he shake his head, sprinkling the crystal water to spread on his face. He laughed when Peter fell on the ground. And goodness, his laughed was like a sin to me, dragging me to the bottom of the ground. Noah was undeniably gorgeous, please someone notify me that I already have a boyfriend.
"South?"
Someone interrupted my sinful thoughts. Lumunok ako bago bumaling kay Psalm na halos bumagsak na ang mga balikat sa pagod.
"Bakit?"
"Hindi ko na kaya! Waaaaah!"
"Wala pa nga tayo sa kalahati e. Hindi niyo pa alam kung papaano umiwas sa kalaban" I said folding my arms on my chest. Naawa na rin ako sakanila. This was new to them but they must need to learn at least how to fight back. Hindi namin alam kung kailan muli aatake si Akari at mas lalong hindi namin alam kung sino ang uunahin niya. I have to prepare them just in case.
He pouted his plump lips. "Pero South--"
Pareho kaming natigilan nang biglang may bottled water na lumipad papunta sa sintido ko. I shut my eyes tightly as excruciating pain shot through me.
"Hala! South, okay ka lang?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Psalm.
I heard footsteps coming towards me. It was Atarah who spoke which made my blood boil in anger.
"South, ayos ka lang? Hindi ko alam na sa'yo tatama ang iniinuman ko. Si Rucc sana ang babatuhin ko" she said making my eyes fly open.
Blanko ang mga mata akong lumingon sakanya. She stepped back upon seeing my dead expression, she swallowed and averted her gaze on me.
"He he, bakit ka naman ganiyan makatingin? Sorry na, oh!" Kung hindi lang ito pinagpapawisan na ay iisipin kong kinakabahan siya sa akin.
"Sa tingin mo sapat ang sorry mo?" malamig ang tinig ko.
"Eh ano ang gagawin ko?" she ask making my brow arc.
"Ano ba dapat ang ginagawa sa katulad mo?"
"Suntukan nalang kayo" Coby suggested.
"Oo nga, para masaya naman" Rucc added.
Atarah paled as she stepped back again. "U-uy, umayos nga kayo! Ayaw ko nga--"
"Scared bitch?" I interrupted her.
She glared at me and keep her stance proudly. "Ayokong saktan ka" she noted.
"Gusto kitang saktan" agap ko naman.
"We better do this in a proper area. Magtawag ka na ng ambulansya Coby, someone is going to be comatose today" Rucc grinned devilishly as he give us a mischievous look.
**
I put my left foot forward as the right stayed at the back. I lowered myself just in my comfortable degree and fist my knuckles, positioning my right aligned of my chest and the one under my chin.
I eyed my opponent as she did the same position. Her red hair was in a proper ponytail while my black locks swayed behind me as I make a move.
"Bente lang para kay South!"
"Kay Atarah ako pupusta!"
"Ang hina mo namang mamili Ajax, kay South ako!"
Kunot noo akong bumaling sa labas ng boxing ring. Crane was there, even my friends and Genesis' group of friends. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pumasok sa isipan nila at tinawagan sila rito para saksihan ang labanan namin ni Atarah. At ang masaklap, pinagpupustahan nila kami!
I saw Rucc collected their money and pin the paper in between his fingers. "Oh, sino ang pupusta kay South?"
"Ako! Pipti pesos sa akin!" Gab fan his money in the air.
Napailing nalang ako bago binalik kay Atarah ang attention. I saw her looking at our audience with the same expression as mine.
"Fifty din sa akin para sa sugarlove ko!" Kier on Atarah's side.
"Alright! Alright! Everyone, may I have your attention?" Coby stepped inside the boxing ring. Siya pala ang host namin. Magaling. "I'm the Host for this most awaited fight of the century! Today, we will witness the rise of the Queen and fall of the Witch! The question is, who is going to meet her downfall?" he grinned as our audience roared our name.
Maraming pumusta sa akin ngunit marami din kay Atarah. I was relieved when I saw Noah and Isaiah cheering for me, ang tatlong Crane ay nagtraydor sa akin. I glared at Peter, Psalm and Josiah who immediately kept silent when I caught them cheering for Atarah's name.
How dare them turn their back on me? Mga walang utang na loob!
"We have seven minutes for every rounds! I repeat, seven minutes only and will end at thirteenth round! This is not a boxing but a combat action competition! This is a rated SPG program, kung saan may matinding karahasan ang magaganap! Brace yourself, folks! The game is about to start now!" Coby ended his speech with a bow. Kinindatan muna niya kami ni Atarah bago kumaripas na umalis sa loob ng ring.
I eyed my opponent again. Atarah was emotionless, I cannot read what's on her mind and that's my weakness. Hindi ko alam ang mga galaw na gagawin niya kaya kailangan kong maging maingat at alerto.
A bell rang, just like in a boxing game, sign that the time is running now.
I moved to my side, still keeping an eye to her. She moved opposite of my direction, keeping the safe space between us. Nagpalit lang kami ng pwesto, parehong hindi bumibitaw sa mata ng isa't isa.
"Ayan na mga kaibigan! Nagsisimula na ang tukaan! Sino kaya ang unang aatake at sino ang unang iiyak? Si South Benedicto kaya na girlfriend ni Genesis o si Atarah Montero na babae ni Kier?" I heard Coby's voice in the corner.
It was a good distraction for me when I saw Atarah move uncertainty. I attacked her with my fist which made our audience roared in delight. Atarah was too quick as she dodge my attack. She swayed on the right and wasted no time to give me a punch on the stomach. Natamaan ako dahilan para mapaatras ako nang kaonti ngunit hindi ako tumigil. I attacked her and she keeps on defending herself. Her body jerked from one direction to another, obviously escaping my punches. It made me frustrated and run towards her.
"Mga kaibigan, nasasaksihan natin ngayon ang patintero ng mga bata!" Coby announced.
It made me more frustrated. Nag ring na ang bell hudyat na tapos na ang first round ngunit buo pa si Atarah.
"Prrrrt! Time-out muna!"
Gab went inside the ring and pulled me in the corner. Ganoon din si Kier kay Atarah. I glared at her as she smirked at me.
"South, kalma ka lang! Focus!" Gab grabbed my attention. Pinunasan niya ng bimpo ang noo ko at sinuksukan ng straw sa bibig para makainom. "Makinig ka, isipin mo ng mabuti ang mga galaw mo. Don't rush and think wisely, okay?" tinapik niya ang pisngi ko bago muling tumunog ang bell.
The game has started again. I faced Atarah with my grim face. Nakangisi siya sa akin na siyang nagpapainit ng ulo ko. I sighed deeply to calm myself. Tama si Gab, dapat magfocus ako at mag-isip ng mabuti. She's planning something and I have to find out that.
"Stop running, bitch. You're just proving how weak you are" I remarked blankly at her.
"Oh? Got tired chasing, bitch?" she snapped back.
This time, ito na ang sumugod. I dodged her first attempt and ducked at the second swing. I ball my fist and launched myself at her. We both fell on the slightly soft foam, with me under her. She swing her fist on my right face but I immediately blocked it with my arm. Ginawa niya ulit ito sakabila at hinuli ko ulit iyon ngunit sa pagkakataon na ito ay binaon ko ang kuko sa braso niya. I ripped her arm causing her blood to spurted out.
She screamed and pushed me making me roll on the ground. Mabilis akong bumangon at nakita siyang nagtatagis ang bagang na nakatingin sa sugat. I smirked and wasted no time and attacked her again. Mabilis siyang umiwas at ganoon nalang ang frustration na naramdaman ko nang tumunog muli ang bell.
"Time-out, ladies!"
Gab pulled me again on the side. Wipe my forehead and gave me a drink until the bell rang for the third round.
It was a boring round as well as the following rounds. The next fourth, fifth, six seven and eight was just like inflicting one another with an animal bite. Pareho kaming hinihingal na ngunit kaonting galos palang ang natamo sa isa't isa. Pinahid ko ang dugo sa gilid ng labi ko. Ni hindi ko maramdaman ang sakit.
"Round 9!"
Cain ramp in the ring with a cardboard on his hands. Naghiyawan ang audience namin nang magposing ito.
Muli kaming nagharap ni Atarah. This time, a determination to end this game was my top priority. Kailangan ko na siyang itumba. Mukhang ganoon din ang iniisip ng kalaban ko sa akin. The hunger of winning was evident in our eyes.
"I'm going to make you pay for hitting me a plastic bottle!" I snarled angrily. Nakakabwisit na ngisi ang sinagot niya dahilan para mag-init ang ulo ko.
I attacked with a big overhand punch, and before she could dodge it, my fist landed on her chest. She slipped backward, hitting into the ring railings. She grunted but I wasted no time. I landed solid punches into her gut.
Atarah face burned. She let out an animal snarl, bringing her hands up to defend herself, she kicked me on my stomach making my face crunched and my back foot slide backwards. I held my stomach as a exquisite pain ran through my flesh. She started launching herself to me, burying punches over and over as all I could do was to block her fist using my arms. It was like choreograph dance on how we attack, defend, attack and defend ourselves. I was almost corner when the bell save me.
My opponent attacked me first at the next round. She swayed her fist on my face, turning my head to the side to avoid it I come back with a loud bang on her jaw. She spurted out blood but still keep her composure. She glared at me and started attacking me with her incredible foot works. She strike my right knee making me almost kneeled on the ground. Muling lumipad papunta sa akin ang isang binti niya ngunit mabilis kong hinarang ang braso ko. I held her tight and pulled her with all my strength, she fell on the ground with me holding her one foot. As I was about to launch myself into her, she used her free foot to kick me on my chest. Tumalsik ako sa railings hawak-hawak ang nasaktang dibdib. I watched her as she flipped her body on the ground and stood with a fighting stance.
Atarah was petite and vivacious. Almost just like me but she was more well trained as she attended proper classes for martial arts. I did attend too but didn't stay long as
my instructor was beaten up after our one on one session. Pinasok ulit ako ni Daddy sa ibang training school ngunit ganoon palagi ang nangyayari. They have rules and I have mine. Sa huli ay walang nagawa si Daddy kundi ang ipadala sa akin si Master Bori. He was the one who trained me properly and made me a skilled woman.
Ngunit kahit gaano ako kagaling ay ganoon din si Atarah. She have a proper discipline on herself while I don't. Nag-iisip siya samantalang padalos-dalos naman ako. Black belter sakanya habang sinturon naman ni hudas ang akin. We have a lot in common pero marami na ang pagkakaiba pagdating sa kakayahan. And I hate to admit that I envious her.
I attacked her with a lead-hand punches, knee strike and uppercuts. She was too flexible to defend herself but I was fast enough to inflict her pain. Sunud-sunod na natamaan ko siya sa panga, balikat, dibdib at binti. She grunted loudly but never stop defending. I was too occupied throwing punches at her that I didn't notice her foot forward and aim my side. I swayed on the side, grunting as pain shot through me. Nabalian ata ako. Hindi pa man ako nakakabawi ay mabilis na niya akong niyakap at tinumba sa sahig. She's on top of me and wasted no time throwing punches at me. I used my elbows to defend myself. She is determined to ruin my face and I was too stubborn to stop her.
"Ayan na mga kaibigan! Mukhang dehado si Benedicto at mukhang gutom naman si Montero! Kayo na ang humusga kung kanino kayo pupusta! Sa pula o sa itim?"
She hit me on my left cheek. I saw my blood spurted out from my mouth up to the ground. Nang tumingin ako sakanya ay gutom ang mga mata nito.
"Nice catch" I breath as I gave her a hard uppercut. Her body arc allowing me to push her and get up. Pinahid ko ang dugo sa labi ko. Halos mamanhid na ang mga ito sa kakasapak. Tumingin ako kay Atarah na tumatayo. She was beaten but I am not yet done with her.
Bago pa siya makasugod muli ay tumunog na ang bell. I cursed as Coby stepped in the ring with his annoying speeches. Gab grabbed my arm and gave me a drink. Pinunasan niya ang noo ko at pinahid ang mga dugo sa katawan.
"South, okay ka lang? Makinig ka, mahina na si Atarah. Kaonting sapak nalang babagsak na siya kaya galingan mo!" he encouraged. "South, tandaan mo sa'yo ako pumusta kaya sa'yo nakasalalay ang pipti ko."
That made me look at him. He smiled sheepishly and scratch his neck. "That sounds encouraging" I said blankly.
Muling tumunog ang bell kaya tumayo ako at hinarap si Atarah. I ball my fist and position then for a fighting stance. Doon ay napansin ko ang kamao kong marumi, may mga bakas ng dugo at mga pasa. Wala kaming suot na gloves kaya mas dama namin ang impact ng pagtama nito sa kalaban.
Nauna akong sumugod. The audience roared in excitement as Atarah and I roll on the ground.
"Ngayon natutunghayan natin ang sabungan ng mga tigreng manok! South was on Atarah's top--oops! Atarah rolled her opponent and gave her a atomic punch on the face--boom! Sabog ang ilong ni Benedicto! Sandali, bumangon siya at sumugod gamit ang makamandag na nuclear punch at supersayan kick with matching elbow attack and bacon and egg combination--KABOOM! Tumba si Montero!"
I was feeling dizzy yet my body wants more. Halos mabingi na ako sa sigaw ng mga nanonood. Coby's voice was making me more in daze.
"MONTERO! MONTERO! MONTERO!"
"BENEDICTO! BENEDICTO! BENEDICTO!"
Bumangon ako at muling sinugod si Atarah.
"Benedicto gave a magnificent ax stomp into Montero's face and---Gentlemen! Montero fly with her broken bones! Oh no, wait...she's alive and ready to sway her ass! Here comes Montero giving Benedicto a nutcracker choke but she was too fast to give Montero her greatest karma! She fish hook her from behind and knee strike her making Montero knelt on the ground with Benedicto choking her from behind!"
Atarah struggled in my arms but I didn't let her go. Sakal-sakal ko siya gamit ang isang braso ko. She tried to reach me but never succeeded. I was confident on winning this game, I hate loses and Atarah knew that. Mas lalong naghiyawan ang mga kaibigan namin. From the corner of my eyes I saw them exchanging cash. Kita ko rin ang pagkatalo sa mukha ni Peter at Kier habang tuwang tuwa naman sina Gab.
Nasa ganoong position kami nang biglang may nakakabinging pagbagsak ng pintuan. The room fell silent as we all turned to look at the intruder. Ganoon nalang ang panlalaki nang mga mata namin nang pumasok si Genesis nang may nagbabagang galit sa mga mata.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING HERE?!" His thunderous voice echoed in the four cornered room. Ang galit sa boses nito ay tila umakyat sa ugat ng mga paa ko papunta sa dibdib dahilan kung bakit kinabahan ako.
Nagsalubong ang mga mata namin, I saw the devil on his eyes as he eyed me grimly. Napalunok ako at dahil sa matinding distraksyon, hindi ko namalayan na nagawa na pala akong ibaliktad ni Atarah. She slammed and pinned me on the ground with my both hands on my back and her one arm hooked on my neck.
She trapped me and obviously making me lose the game.
Ilang segundong katahimikan ang namayani hanggang sa biglang naghiyawan ang mga audience. I even saw Gab, Noah and Isaiah shake their head in defeat.
"Get off of my girlfriend or you will fucking die woman!"
Genesis voice was like a spell as Atarah let go of me. Agad akong napaubo at naghabol ng hininga. Sinubukan kong tumayo kahit nanghihina ang katawan ko.
Kier was already inside the ring, I saw how happy yet worried he is as he hugged Atarah and proudly exclaimed his love for her. Nagdidiwang na rin ang ibang kasama namin na pumusta sa kaibigan ko habang halos maiyak baman ang mga pumusta sa akin. Kita ko pa ang pagsisisi nina Noah ngunit hindi ito ang umagaw ng attention ko.
Genesis stood at the door while looking at me with his deadliest yet coldest stare ever. Mas lalo akong kinabahan at natakot. Sa tanang buhay ko, ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng ganito. As I was about to get frozen on his stare, Tito Jackal appeared behind him.
"Pupusta rin ako!"
**
Matapos gamutin ng Doctor na tinawagan ni Daddy ang mga sugat ko ay iniwan na ako nito sa kwarto. Malinis na ang katawan ko mula sa mga dugo at pawis, I was now dressed in a big white shirt, para na itong dress dahil hanggang kalahating hita ko ang haba.
Pinanood ko ang katulong na may dalang pagkain para sa akin. Nilagay niya ito sa study table ko at nagpaalam na umalis na pero saktong nasa pintuan na ito nang bumukas iyon at pumasok ang taong hindi ko inaasahang makita rito.
I stood up, wincing as my bruises forced. Mabilis na lumabas ang katulong at mahinang sinara ang pintuan, na kaming dalawa ng bisita ko ang naiwan sa loob.
Genesis eyed me from head to toe with his cold eyes. His brows furrowed, lips protruding and jaw ticking with unknown reasons. I had to avert my eyes before I melt on to his. Tahimik siya kaya natatakot ako sa kung anong iniisip niya. He was like a sleeping animal who never should wake up because once he was disturbed, he will explode. At iyon ang ayokong mangyari kaya bago pa ako akatehin sa nerbiyos ay tumalikod na ako at tinungo ang pagkain.
"A-ano...sino nagpapasok sa'yo dito?" kandautal kong tanong. Good thing I was on my back or else he will saw how scarred I am.
"Your sister allowed me here," sagot niya. Tumango ako bago naupo at hinarap ang mga pagkain. I look at him and instantly regret it when I saw how sharp his eyes are. Sandali, anong ginawa ko? Nasagot agad ang tanong ng isip ko nang magsalita siya. "Should I not be allowed in here?" His voice were sharp too.
Kinailangan kong bumaling sa mga pagkain ko dahil hindi ko alam kung papaano siya haharapin. I did a big mistake which is obviously made him cold as the Iceberg in Atlantic Ocean. Kailangan kong mag-ingat para hindi siya sumabog. But I need to calm myself first. So I took a deep breath and try to relax even if my heart was about to explode now.
Bakit ba ako natatakot? First, I did nothing wrong. Fighting with Atarah was not a mistake. Sakanya oo, pero sa akin, hindi. The game was great even If I shouldn't be the one who lose. Dapat ako ang nanalo kung hindi lang siya istorbo. Wala naman akong nakikitang masama sa ginawa ko, kung tutuusin gumanti lang naman ako dahil binato ako ni Atarah ng plastic bottle--okay, ipapaintindi ko iyon sakanya. Tama, he will understand. Walang tao ang gustong mabato ng plastic bottle.
"H-hindi naman sa ganoon, nagulat lang ako!" bawi ko agad. I swallowed hard and offered the vacant seat opposite me. "G-gusto mo bang samahan akong kumain? Upo ka muna."
He didn't move. Uminom ako ng tubig bago matapang na hinarap ito, I was still sitting on the chair as he stood at the door.
"Genesis, look--" tumayo ako kahit mahapdi pa ang mga pasa ko. Hindi naman ako ganoong nabugbog. Namamaga ang ibabang labi, kulay ube ang magkabilang panga, putok ang ilalim ng kanang kilay at medyo pilay. Iyon lang naman ang mga sugat ko e. Nakalimutan ko palang idagdag na may bali akong buto sa tagiliran, he doesn't need to know that though. "If you're worried about what happened to me. I can assure you that I am perfectly fine."
"Who said I'm worried?" he snapped back coldly. Halos manigas ako sa talas at lamig ng tuno niya. "I am mad--no, I'm furious, Southern. You don't have any idea how I thought about cruel things when I saw you fighting for nonsense reason."
"She hit me with a plastic bottle!" Maging ako ay natigilan nang mapagtanto kung gaano nga kawalang kwenta ang rason na iyon. I shook my head in defeat and embarrassment. "Pero..."
I noticed him shifted on his position. Humakbang lang siya ng dalawang beses papunta sa akin ngunit hindi tuluyang lumapit. He put his hands inside his pocket and look at me like I was nothing but a stubborn child. Gumapang ang hiya mula sa talampakan hanggang sa ulo ko.
"Are you satisfied then? Look at yourself, I didn't even recognized you. If my heart didn't jump in excitement when I saw you I won't even bother looking at you" he said sharply.
I keep my head low, afraid to look at him. I looked like a child who was caught and scolded for eating candy. I feel vulnerable and guilty.
"Ang mahalaga ay tumitibok pa rin ang puso mo sa akin kahit mukha na akong melted butter" I don't even know why I compared myself to a melted butter. I am so pathetic.
Sinilip ko ang mukha niya at nakitang hindi man lang nagkaroon ng emosyon ang mga mata nito. I think I should try harder.
Tumikhim ako at kinagat ang ibabang labi ngunit agad ding napadaing nang makagat ko ang sugat ko roon. I saw Genesis looked down at my lips and his jaw clenched. His eyes sharpened, brows in one line, veins popping out on his temple.
Naku, lagot. Tila mas nagalit ko ata siya. Kaya bago pa siya sumabog ay mabilis na akong lumapit sakanya at naglalambing na niyapos. This is my last resort. Kung hindi pa siya bumigay ay ewan ko nalang.
Hindi siya gumalaw nang pinulupot ko ang braso sa bewang niya. I looked up and saw his displeased, like he knows what I am doing. At hindi nga ako nagkamali doon.
"I know what you are doing and that won't work on me" masungit na aniya.
"But I had to try. Sorry na.." ngumuso ako.
"Uh huh."
"Hindi na mauulit."
"Impossible."
Sumimangot ako. "Hindi na nga mauulit. Promise! H'wag ka lang magalit sa akin!" pagsusumamo ko ngunit hindi pa rin siya kumbinsido.
"Don't promise me something you cannot do, Southern. We both knew you are going to do it again" he stated staring deeply at my eyes.
Umiwas ako ng tingin. I wat hit by his words. He held my chin and force me to look at his eyes again. "I cannot make you promise when in the end, you're just going to break it."
My heart clenched. He doesn't trust me and that is breaking me. Hindi ako emosyonal na tao ngunit pakiramdam ko maiiyak na ako ngayon. Masakit ang mga pasa ko pero mas masakit ang dibdib ko. Hindi ako makapagsalita sa gulat at sa kahihiyang nararamdaman. Alam kong tama ang mga sinabi niya ngunit hindi ko pa rin maiwasang masaktan. Masakit pala ang katotohanan.
"So even if I ask you to stop the violence, you won't do it" he continued, wiping his thumb on my cheek.
I swallowed, hoping my tears won't fall. Ayokong isipin niyang dina-dramahan ko siya kahit iyon ang unang plano ko. He already caught me and obviously won't fall on it again. Pero sa pagkakataon na ito, wala ng arte. I was hurt and got humiliated.
"I said, I'm sorry. Hindi porket hindi ako iyong tipo ng tao na marunong tumupad sa usapan ay hindi na ako totoo sa mga salita ko. I admit I was being childish, it's just a game, Genesis! A common game for a people like me. Tama ka na hindi ko kayang itigil ang pagiging bayolente pero kaya ko namang ilugar ito. What happened earlier was just a game, for fun--"
"And you call that for fun?" he interrupted. Tinanggal niya ang mga braso kong nakayakap sakanya at bahagyang lumayo sa akin. I felt sad at his distant and I'm sure he noticed that but he was just cold enough to ignore it. Nagtatagis ang bagang niyang tumingin sa mga mata ko. He looked like he was restraining himself from something, kita ko ang galit na gustong kumawala sa mga galaw niya ngunit pinipigilan niya lang ito. "You were beaten! You were hurt! That game gave you a broken bone and you still call that for fun? What the hell is wrong with your mind and think that? Did you even thought of what would your family think? Have you not thought of what would I feel seeing you this messed up? I was trying hard not to inflict you any kind of pain yet you're making it impossible! I don't know anymore how to keep you safe, Southern!" His voice were thunderous, sharp and painful. The frustration was visible on his face, eyes flaring and jaw ticking.
I open my mouth to speak but there's no word that wants to let go. All I could do was to stare at him, hurt and sad.
"You're becoming selfish. I'm starting to feel fear from you," mariin niyang pinikit ang mga mata na tila nahihirapan. He took a deep breath and opening his eyelids, he looked at me gently yet pleading. Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang balikat ko. Napatingin ako rito, nang magsalita muli siya ay binalik ko ang tingin sa mga mata niya. "Please, next time, try to consider me. You're hurting me by hurting yourself," he leaned closer and kissed my forehead. Napapikit ako kasabay ng paglandas ng mga traydor na luha ko. "Recover fast for me. Kahit iyon nalang ang gawin mo para sa akin" he whispered before finally turning his back on me.
Minulat ko ang mga mata at nakita siyang lumabas ng kwarto ko nang hindi na muling lumingon sa akin. He closed the door softly yet it sounded broken in me.
Ilang sandali na ang nakalipas ngunit nakatayo pa rin ako sa pwesto ko. I was staring at my door, hoping it will open up and he will come back for me ngunit ilang minuto na ay wala pa rin siya.
Genesis used to scold me most of the time but we are always make sure we end up making-up to each other by kissing and hugging tightly in an hour. But now, it's different. No hugs, no kisses, no I love you's.
He left me feeling guilty, hurt, sad, and in pain. His words were sharp, cutting me deeply. I was wounded yet I couldn't feel the physical pain. The excruciating pain inside my chest spread like a wildlife, numbing me. Hanggang sa ako na rin ang kusang nagsabi sa sarili na,
"Ang bobo ko talaga..."
Hindi ko alam na nasasaktan ko na pala siya. He's right, I'm selfish. I only care of my opinion. I only care of myself. Noon pa man ay ayaw na ayaw na niya akong nasasaktan, pati lamok kinakalaban niya para sa akin ngunit sa huli ako rin mismo ang susugat sa sarili ko. He was trying his best to keep me unharm yet here I am, waving at the danger. Siguro, nakarma na nga ako.
Sa susunod, kailangan ko nang mag-isip ng mabuti. Kahit batuhin pa ako ni Atarah ng tinapay, ipagdadasal ko nalang na unang masunog ang kaluluwa niya kesa sa akin. And hope, Genesis would forgive me.
_
ISAIAH'S POV
"34, 35, 36, 37, 38..."
Oops! Iniisip niyo siguro na binibilang ko ang ipon kong barya 'no? Pwes, nagkakamali kayo. Binibilang ko ang pagpush up ni Peter.
Simula noong nagtraining kami kasama si South ay nagtuloy-tuloy na ito, iyon nga lang, hindi na si South ang Master namin. Mas malupit pa sakanya.
"What the fuck are you doing Isaiah?! Do you want me to punch your fucking face? Get back to work!"
Tama, si kupal na Genesis ang pumalit sakanya.
Ayaw ko sanang tawaging kupal si kaps pero wala akong choice. Dalawang linggo na niya kaming tine-training at dalawang linggo na rin kaming nangangatog sa takot sakanya. Mas malupit pa siya kay South. Alas tres ng madaling araw kami palaging gumigising at agad niya kaming patatakbuhin sa labas ng bahay. Kung sino man ang hindi sumunod sakanya ay ipapahabol niya sa aso at waaaaah! Naranasan ko na iyon!
Halos maiyak na ako sa pagod, hindi niya kami titigilan hangga't hindi natutumba ang isa sa amin. Sobrang lupit niya, wala siyang awa sa amin.
Tinignan ko siya, wala siyang suot ngayon na pang-itaas, tanging black short at rubber shoes lang ang suot. Kumikislap ang katawan niya sa pawis, ang mga muscles niya ay mas depino at mas malusog ang abs niya kesa kay Noah at Peter. May abs din naman ako pero nangangayayat pa. Pinagmasdan ko si kaps at napansin na nakakunot na naman ang noo niya. Matalim ang mga mata na parang masusunog ang sino mang titignan niya. Dalawang linggo na siyang badtrip at hindi namin alam kung bakit. Bigla nalang siyang naging sobrang salbahe, pati si Baby Tiger ko dinadamay niya.
Malupit si kaps magturo, sabi niya hardcore raw pero kahit ganoon, marami kaming natututunan sakanya. Marunong na akong makipag sparring, natatalo ko na minsan si Josiah pero talo pa rin ako pagdating kay Genesis. Minsan kasi hinamon niya ako at isang damba niya lang sa akin, dalawang araw na akong tulog. Magaling si kaps pagdating sa pagdepensa at pag-atake nang hindi nahahalata ng kalaban. Hangang-hanga ako sakanya, gusto ko siya minsan yakapin kasi proud na proud ako rito pero hindi pa man ako nakakalapit ay sinisigawan na niya ako.
Katulad ngayon.
"Use your fucking small brain, moron! Defend your fucking self before your fucking opponent can fucking kill you!"
Waaaaah!
Oo nga pala, nasa karate fight pala ako at kalaban ko si Psalm. Iiwas na sana ako sa palipad na sipa niya papunta sa akin ngunit huli na, natamaan ako sa pisngi at agad natumba sa sahig. Napangiti ako nang makita ang mga stars na sumasayaw sa ibabaw ng ulo ko ngunit agad ding nagtago ang mga munting bituin nang dinungaw ako ni Genesis. Kita ko ang umuusok na ilong at tenga niya sa galit.
"So fucking stupid and lame. Get up and give me 100 push-ups!"
Waaaaah! Hindi ko na kaya!
"Kaps, pagod na ako!" reklamo ko.
Tinignan niya lang ako ng masama at dinungaw ang tatlong malalaking aso niya na nakatali sa gilid. Agad tumahol ang mga iyon dahilan para mapalunok ako sa takot.
Huhuhu! Sobra na talaga siya. Isusumbong ko siya kay Dada--hindi, traydor ang pakboy naming tatay kaya kay Mommy Tatiana nalang ako magsusumbong. Sumusobra na si Genesis. Wala siyang awa! Wala siyang puso!
"Ito na po..." naiiyak kong pagsuko bago dumapa at nag push-up.
Halos maubusan ako ng hangin pagkatapos. Nakita kong nakasalampak na rin sa sahig ang mga kapatid ko maliban kay Genesis na pinanggigigilan ang maliit na punching bag na nakabitin. May suot siyang gloves pero pakiramdam ko tumatagos ang sakit sa katawan niya sa lakas ng tama ng bawat suntok niya. Umaalingawngaw sa paligid ang creeping tunog ng suntok niya sa punching bag at paghinga niya. Mataman siyang nakatitig sa sinusuntok na tila ito na ang pinakamumuhiyan niyang bagay sa buong mundo.
Habang abala ako sa pagnood at paghanga sakanya ay tumunog ang cellphone ko na nasa upuan. Gumapang ako papunta doon at kinuha ito. Agad akong napanguso nang makita na tumatawag si South.
Ilang araw na niya akong kinukulit. Ilang araw na rin akong naguguluhan sakanila ni Genesis. Nagkikita sila sa school pero hindi nagpapansinan, tapos tatawagan ako ni South para kumustahin si kaps. Kapag nagkasalubong sa daan, mag-iiwasan at tatawag na naman sa akin si South para magtanong tungkol sakanya. Hays, ang gulo rin ng dalawang ito.
"South, okay lang si Genesis" sabi ko agad pagkasagot ko sa tawag.
Narinig ko itong bumuntong hininga sa kabilang linya. Nang magsalita ay malungkot ang boses nito. Naawa ako kaagad. "Ganoon ba? Masaya akong marinig iyan." Kahit hindi naman siya tunog masaya.
Pinunasan ko ang pawis ko at sinilip si kaps na nagmumura na ngayon dahil sumabog ang punching bag na sinusuntok.
"South, bakit hindi mo tawagan si kaps? Sa tingin ko mas matutuwa siya kapag ginawa mo iyon" sabi ko.
"It's not that easy. He's mad at me." Ramdan ko na nasasaktan siya.
Hays. Kawawa naman si South. Kaya pala badtrip palagi si kaps.
"Edi magsorry ka, bobo lang South?"
Nagulat ako nang hindi niya ako sinigawan sa tinawag sakanya. Mukha ngang hindi talaga siya okay.
"I miss him..."
Aww..
"I love him so much..."
Hala, umiiyak ba siya?
"South? Okay ka lang? Umiiyak ka ba?" hindi ko maiwasang mag-alala sakanya.
"O-okay lang ako, natusok ko kasi ang mata ko."
Hays. Bobo naman kasi ni South. Tusukin daw ba ang mata, dapat dinukot nalang niya.
"Who are you talking?"
Tumingala ako sa nagsalita. Agad akong napalunok nang makita si Genesis na naglalakad papalapit sa akin. Waaah! Bakit na naman?
Bago niya ako utusang bumalik sa pagtraining ay agad ko nang inabot sakanya ang cellphone. Kunot noong kinuha niya iyon at pinakinggan si South sa kabilang linya. Agad nagkasalubong ang mga kilay niya, tumalim ang mga mata at nagtagis bagang.
"I didn't let you recover for you to prick your own eyes!" asik niya bago tinapon pabalik sa akin ang cellphone ko. Muntikan ko iyong hindi masalo, mabuti nalang mabilis ang pag-flex ng mga muscle ko,
thanks to Genesis.
"Waaaaah! Kaps naman!"
Huhuhu! Pati cellphone ko!
Sisinghalan ko pa sana ito ngunit nakita kong nagbabaga sa galit ang mga mata niya. Napalunok at nanginig ako sa takot.
"Stupid! Stupid!" sigaw niya bago pinagsisipa ang kahit anong makita. Gumulong ako agad palayo sakanya bago pa niya ako masipa rin.
"Waaah! Noah! Noah!" sigaw ko ngunit nakitang tumba na siya sa sahig.
"Ilag!"
Nakita ko ang mabilis na pag-ilag ni Peter sa suntok ni Genesis. Gumulong siya sa sahig bago ekspertong nag backflip. Napanganga ako sa pagmangha na naramdaman.
Wow. Kaya palang gawin ni Peter iyon? Pero...saktong pagtayo niya ay siyang pagtama naman ng kamao ni Genesis sa pisngi niya. Agad siyang natumba at nawalan ng malay.
"Waaaaah! Takbo!" Sumigaw ako matapos kong makita na naghanap ng ibang patutumbahin si Kaps. Nakatakas na pala si Josiah at Psalm. Tumingin siya sa akin na siyang nagpalaki sa mga mata ko. Bago pa niya ako malapitan ay kumaripas na ako agad ng takbo palayo.
"ISAIAH!"
Waaaaah! Huhuhu! Kapag naabutan niya ako siguradong tigok ako. Lumabas ako sa training room namin at nagtatakbo sa sala. Naramdaman ko ang paghabol ni Genesis sa akin kaya mas ginalingan ko pa sa pagtakbo.
"Waaah!" Saktong nakita ko si Dada na palabas ng kusina. Tumakbo ako palapit sakanya. "Dada!"
"Junakis the fifth, bakit ka tumatakbo?" tanong niya.
"Si Genesis, huhuhu!" Nagtago ako sa likod niya nang makita si Kaps na parang tigreng lumapit sa amin.
"Junakis the third, what is happening?" pag-ingles ni Dada sakanya pero sinimangutan lang siya ni Kaps.
"I need to punch someone. Step back before I hit you" banta niya.
Tumikhim si Dada at nang silipin ko ang mukha ay nakitang seryoso siya. "Watch your mouth, little Prince. You dunno who you are talking to."
Maging ako ay nagulat sa biglang pagbabago ng tono ni Dada. Mapanganib iyon at nagbabanta rin. Gusto kong maiyak. Maiyak sa diri.
"You don't know who you are talking too. I'm the Prince of Greece and Denmark." Nagdilim ang mukha ni Kaps.
"I'm Jackal Crane. Hari ng kalawakan" taas noong sagot naman ni Dada.
Oh my god. Sinasabi ko na nga ba. Alien si Dada. Hindi kaya siya talaga si Isprikitik?
"Nonsense."
"I'm Jackal Crane..." pakilala ulit ni Dada. Gusto ko sanang sabihing paulit-ulit siya pero nagsalita na si kaps.
Tumingin ako kay Genesis, kumunot ang noo niya katulad ko. "And what?"
Naningkit ang mga mata ni Dada at ganoon nalang ang gulat namin ni kaps nang bigla niyang inabot ang tenga nito at piningut iyon!
"And I'm your father! You dunno me Genesis! You dunno me!" sigaw ni Dada.
"Fuck! Let go of my ear! Fuck! Fuck!" sigaw din ni kaps.
"Ah, minumura mo ako? Heto pa!"
Napanganga ako nang dalawang tenga ni Genesis ang piningot ni Dada. Pulang pula na ang mukha ni Kaps at nanggigigil naman si Dada. Tumatalon talon silang dalawa habang nakanganga naman akong nakanood sakanila.
"No! Shit! No!" sigaw ni Genesis. Naalala ko, kahinaan pala ni Genesis ang tainga niya.
Tumingin ako kay Dada na halatang tuwang tuwa. "Shit? Sinong shit? Gusto mo pa?"
"No! Stop it!"
"You messed the wrong Crane! You do not mess with Jackal Crane!"
"Stop! Ouch! Ouch! Dada stop!"
Palipat-lipat ang tingin ko sakanilang dalawa.
"Huh! You do not mess me again, understand?"
"Yes--fuck!"
"Minumura mo ako Genesis? Gusto mong sipain kita palabas ng bahay? Sino ba ako?"
Inaamin ko, ngayon lang ako natakot kay Dada pero sakabila nito ay gusto ko siyang halikan. I'm so proud of him.
"Jackal--"
"Jackal, who?"
"Jackal Crane!"
"And who are you?"
"Genesis Crane!" masunuring sagot ni Kaps.
"Yes! I'm Jackal Crane and thanks to my sperm you are alive!"
"Thanks to you! Let go of my ear, Dada!"
"Uh huh!"
"I'm sorry--"
"Sorry?"
"Dada! I'm sorry, Dada!" Halos maiyak na sa pagkatalo si kaps.
Malaki ang ngisi ni Dada samantalang halos lumuhod na si Genesis sa pagmamakaawa. Nakanganga pa rin ako. Sa unang pagkakataon, natalo si Genesis.
Natalo siya ni Jackal Crane.
**