JENICA closed the door and got startled because of her kuya Scott standing behind her.
"Kuya!" she said sabay napahawak sa kaniyang dibdib.
Scott crossed arms, "Who is that guy?" he intrigued.
Jenica took a deep breathe, "You startled me kuya" naglakad sya papuntang kusina.
Sinundan naman siya ni Scott, "Who's that?" he repeated.
"Vlademeir's friend, he's the one who helped Chaz and Vlad to pick me in the airport" she gets a glass and dispense water from the refrigerator.
"Oh, I see" habang naka kunot parin ang noo ni Scott.
Jenica smirked, "Hah, don't give me that look kuya, wala akong ginagawang masama" paglilinaw niya.
"I know that guy Jenica, he is the famous Flash Mondragon the best lawyer I ever know" he paused, "Don't tell me you're planning to do something without consulting me Jen, we already talked about this, hindi ba?" pagaalala niya.
Jenica puts her glass above the table then hold his brother's hand, "Kuya, please I'm old enough to handle things."
"So I was right?" inalis ang pagkakahawak ni Jenica sa kaniyang kamay. "That's why you woke up so early to go where he is?" he asked.
"Ok just to make you not worry. I have plans kuya, yes you are right sinadya ko syang puntahan part of my plan" she paused, "I need his help kuya, kaylangan ko ang tulong niya. Again we will fight again and I will assure that we will win this time." May tumulong luha sa kaniyang mga mata.
Scott wiped her tears and hold her cheeks, "I trust you Jen, ayaw ko lang na masaktan ka nanaman. I won't let that happened" he gave Jenica a kiss on her forehead,
She holds his brothers hand on her face, "Thank you kuya please don't let Chaz na madamay dito. She needs to focus on her studies lalo na she's graduating" pagaalala niya.
"Yes Jen, but promise me don't get too attached. He's very attractive guy, smart, and gentleman" papuri niya,
She sighed, "Justice for mom is all I want, I don't have time for that."
Jenica hugged her brother.
"Tell me if you need anything Jen, I'm always here" pagpapaalala niya.
"Yes kuya. Thank you."
A man suddenly spoke, "What did I miss?" he said.
"Dad!" Scott exclaimed.
"Kanina kapa ba diyan?" Jenica asked.
Their father comes closer to them, "Why? Are you guys backstabbing me?" he joked.
Jenica hugged his father, "Dad, I missed you!"
Alvin hugged her back, "Halata nga" pagbibiro niya, "I missed you too Jen."
"We have a lot of catching up to do." her father said. They all giggled.
"HEY, bud I need you to do me a favour" sabi niya sa kabilang linya.
"What is it Flash, you know I'm kinda in the middle something this must be important or I'll kill you, imbecile" pagbabanta nito.
"This is important" he paused. "Slate, I need information about someone. Alam kong kaya mo gawin to in just a snap of your fingers."
Slate Gunner Demetriu is well-known as the CEO and the owner of SGD state trend magazine where all the famous persons are being their headlines. At sa magkakaibigan siya ang kilala bilang isang magaling nila source. Dito sila humihingi ng tulong kapag may ipapahanap silang mga tao, but every information has its price.
"How will you pay me?" he asked.
"Name your price" he said.
"Buy my private island in Palawan, malinis na yun no need for renovations" pagmamalaki niya.
He sighed, "How much is it?" he query.
"50 million, buddy."
"Ok, I'll transfer the money in your account. Find everything in Jenica Peska's life, I need all her information kahit na umabot kapa ng kaninuninuan niya."
"Ohhhh is that the girl that Vlad's talking about? His cousin? My man, tingin ko ay mayroon na akong magiging karamay" panunukso niya.
"Shut up, moron. I need her information cause my dad said so. At talagang ichinismis na ako kaagad, that dickhead sa pagkakaalala ko lasing ka nung napagusapan natin to" he angrily said. "Minsan hindi ko na lang alam bakit nga ba natin naging kaibigan yun, daig pa ang babae kung maka chismis."
Slate laughed, "Let him be. You know that's how I started falling in love with Farrah. Curiosity kills the cat indeed pero masarap ang may nagmamahal Flash."
Slate is the first one who gets married with his wife Braelynn Farrah Deim.
Flash sighed, "I told you my DAD wants her information not me" pagdidiin niya.
"K, like the fish can talk" he sarcastically said. "I'll send everything kapag tapos na ako."
"Ok" then he ended the call.
What is with you that my dad wants Jenica. I will soon find out. Soon.
"JENICA, can you pass me the pasta?" her dad asked.
"Sure" then she gave her the plate of pasta to her dad.
"Vlad, do you want some pasta?" pagaalok niya.
Naisipan ng ama ni Jenica na magluto for their dinner so they can catching up things. Kaya inimbitahan na din nila si Vlademeir.
"No thanks tito" pagtanggi niya.
"Nako, alam ko na bakit ayaw ni Kuya Vlad ng pasta ni ate. Kasi last time na nagluto si ate sumama lang ang tyan niya" natatawang sabi ni Chaz.
"Hey! Masarap na akong magluto ngayon no, natututo na ako" pagdepensa naman ni Jenica.
Before her mom died ay hindi talaga marunong magluto si Jenica pero noong umalis ito ng bansa ay natuto syang maging independent siya na mismo ang nagluluto sa pagkain niya.
Nagtawanan silang lahat. "Kakain ka ng pasta ko diba Vlad?" sabi ni Jenica na may pagbabanta. Alam na kasi ni Vlad kapag ganito ang tono ng pananalita ni Jenica. They're so close simula noong mga bata pa sila. Walang lahing pinoy si Vlademeir ang nanay niya ay nakababatang kapatid ng tatay ni Jenica habang ang tatay naman nito ay isang Scottish pero ninais na din nila na dito manirahan.
"Hehe, tito paabot po ng pasta kakain po ako" he's terrified.
"Good" Jenica said while patting Vlademeir's shoulder.
Masaya ang pamilya nagkwentuhan sila mga nangyari kay Jenica sa America. Hindi kasi sila gaanong nakakapag update noong nandoon pa sya dahil nga sa pagiging busy ng lahat. Tanging si Chaz ang madalas niyang kausap noon at si Vlademeir.
Pagkatapos nilang kumain ay nasa sala ang buong pamilya ng biglang hatakin ni Jenica si Vlademeir patungo sa kusina.
Nagtatakang nagtanong si Vlademeir, "What is it?"
"Vlad I need your help" she said.
"About what?" he answered.
"Can I ask you a favour?" she asked.
Vlademeir looks confused. "Yeah, what is it?"
Lumapit pa ng kaunti si Jenica ay bumulong, "Can you give me Flash's number? I just needed it."
Kumunot ang noon i Vlademeir, "Why?" he asked like he don't follow.
"I need Flash's number. I want to open mom's case again" sabi niya na ikinagulat ni Vlademeir.
"Are you sure? I mean alam na ba nila Tito Alvin to?" he asked.
Jenica exhaled, "Kuya Scott knew, Dad and Chaz are out here. Ayoko silang mag alala."
Vlademeir crossed armed, "Are you sure about this Jen?" he asked.
"Yes Vlad, I trust Flash alam kong matutulungan niya ako sa gagawin kong ito. He's your friend Vlademeir alam kong only trustworthy persons can enter your life. Hindi ka nagpapapasok ng taong alam mong hindi mo mapapagkakatiwalaan." Jenica knows Vlademeir so well at she trust Vlademeir too.
"If that's what you want, Jen I'll support you" he gets his phone and gave Flash's number.
"Thank you so much, Vlad" pasasalamat nya.
"Just make sure don't get attach Jen" pagpapayo nito.
Jenica looks confused, "Parehas kayo ng sinabi ni Kuya Scott"
"Kaibigan ko si Flash I know him better than anyone else, he's a great guy I saw every woman trying to charm him but failed. Ayaw kong masaktan ka, mahulog sa taong hindi marunong sumalo"
"Like I said to Kuya, I'm not here for that. I just want justice for my mom" paglilinaw nya. "I'll call him na. Please Vlad don't tell Chaz and dad about this. Ikaw lang at si Kuya ang dapat nakakaalam nito."
"Copy, boss" pagbibiro niya.
Sabay umalis ng kusina sila Vlademeir at Jenica. Nagpaalam na din si Vlademeir na mauuna na dahil madami pa syang aasikasuhin sa hotel niya.
"Tito Alvin mauna na po ako, madami pa po akong gagawin sa hotel" pagpapaalam niya.
"Aba Vlademeir don't be so workaholic, nakakapangit iyon" pagbibiro ni Alvin.
"Sa sobrang gwapo ko Tito hindi po uso saakin yun."
"Osya, go ahead and drive safely."
"Yes po Tito thank you." Pagkatapos noon ay nagsipasok na sila ng kani kanilang mag kwarto.
Napagisipan ni Jenica na kinabukas nalang tawag si Flash dahil pagod narin siya.
Kinakabahan si Jenica sa gagawin niya pero kapag naiisip na kasama niya si Flash sa laban na ito ay parang nawawala ng kaba niya. She feels safe around him na ipinagtataka niya dahil ilang beses palang naman niya ito nakasama.
After a couple of ring the other line answered. "Hello? Flash?"
"Speaking, who is this? How did you get my number?" tuloy tuloy na tanong ng binata.
Hindi naman kaagad nakapag pakilala si Jenica sa binate, "Hey, It's me Jenica. I got your number from Vlademeir kinulit ko kasi sya eh. I'm sorry naistorbo pa ata kita" paghingi nya ng despensa.
Matagal bago nakasagot si Flash, "Its fine, buti napatawag ka?" tanong nito.
"Help me, I need your help" she paused. "I want to open my mom's case again."
"Ok, come to my house and we'll talk about this" pagkatapos noon ay pinatay na ni Flash ang linya.
'This is it mom, I promise you mahahanap natin ang hayop na lalaking iyon.'
FLASH received a call from unknown number, he usually don't answer calls from unknown number but this call, and he felt like he needs to answer it. After answering the call he didn't expect this. It was Jenica seeking for help. Sino ba sya para tumanggi sa isang napaka gandang dalaga. So he decided na papuntahin si Jenica sa kaniyang bahay upang dito nalang magusap.
Kanina pa tingin ng tingin si Flash sa kaniyang wrist watch dahil ang sabi ni Jenica sa kaniyang text ay "I'll be there at 2" ngunit dalawang oras na ang nakakalipas hindi parin ito dumadating. If she's lost he will call aniya sa kaniyang sarili. Habang naupo at naka sandal sa header na kaniyang kama ay bigla namang tumunog ang doorbell. He instantly stood up and open the door for her.
Jenica is smiling, "I'm so sorry, I need to talk to my colleague it's really important" paghihingi niya ng despensa.
Flash smiled back, "It's fine. It's just two hours" he said in a unexpressive voice. "Come in" pag aanyaya niya.
Habang pumapasok ay humihingi pa din sya ng tawad. "I am really sorry Flash, sobrang urgent talaga. Someone barge into my office in America and they took some of my painting. I am really glad that I brought my favourite painting. I am really sorry."
"It's fine I understand"
"No, Im sorry I should've texted you at least." Patuloy niyang paghingi ng tawad.
Flash is starting to feel weird about Jenica saying sorry, "Stop saying sorry or te voi saruta"
Jenica stopped talking. "What?"
"Nothing, sit down and tell me about this case. But before that what do want to drink or eat? I'll grab something on Mathew's Restobar?" he asked.
Jenica shook her head. "No, thanks water is fine."
"Ok, I'll just go to the nearest convenient store."
Jenica narrowed her eyebrows "You don't have water in your house?"
Flash felt shy, "No" he answered.
Jenica giggle, "What do you have then?"
He replied, "Red Bull?" Flash blushed.
Sa totoo lang ay wala talagang laman ang ref niya kung hindi energy drink. He doesn't really have time para kumain sa bahay dahil sa busy sya palagi sa kaniyang office. Ang kaniyang seketarya pa nga ang bumibili at naglalagay ng energy drink sa kaniyang ref.
"Red bulls are bad for the heart you know. Yun lang ba laman ng ref mo?"
"Yes. I don't eat here"
Jenica chuckled, "I don't drink red bull. Sama ako sa pagbili ng water."
Naglakad si Jenica at si Flash patungo sa convenient store, Flash said the it just 5 minute drive but Jenica insist na maglakad nalang sila dahil saying sa gas.
While walking Jenica asked, "Why did you decide to be a lawyer?"
"My dad is a judge, I don't want to be like him but I want to help others to get the justice they need." He answered.
Jenica just nodded.
"And when I was 18, I saw a crime. I was there when someone died. I tried to call the police before the lady got shot but sadly nabaril pa din sya luckily her daughter didn't the guy just run away. I tried following him pero di ko sya nabutan. Balita ko ay di daw nila nahanap yung pumatay. Kaya nga siguro lalo akong nagsumikap dahil alam ko kung gaano ka fucked up ang justice dito sa pilipinas" he sighed.
Jenica is shocked and stopped walking. "Flash! Is the lady that got shot in the heart?" she asked.
"Yes." Pagtatakang sagot ni Flash.
"Is she wearing black dress and pearl necklace?" she asked with teary eyes.
"Yes. What's wrong Jenica?" Flash finally asked.
Jenica didn't answer his question, "Is this happened on April 3, 2010?" Jenica's tears fell down to her cheeks.
"Yes! What is wrong? Why are you crying how did you know about this?" Flash asked.
"Flash!" she paused to inhale. "That's my mom. The case I want you to open again." she said while sobbing.
Flash hugged Jenica. "Shush now Jenica. I will help you open this case. We will not stop until we can't find the justice for your mom" he said while patting Jenica's back. "Malapit na tayo sa store, let's get you water."
Jenica just nodded.
JENICA and Flash arrived at the convenient store but she's still shocked after she knew that Flash saw her mom died. He was the one who called the police kung hindi niya natawagan ang mga pulis ay baka siguro patay na din siya. There's a question in her head. Bakit hindi ito nagpakita as witness sa korte nung panahon na iyon.
Flash bought bottles of water and frozen meats and some vegetable he even got some chips, biscuits and breads.
"Ang dami mong binili?" she said in a brittle voice.
Hindi sinagot ni Flash ang tanong, "Here's your water" binuksan muna niya bago ito ibigay kay Jenica. "Uwi na tayo."
"Ok" tumayo na si Jenica at umalis na sila.
"Thank you Flash" the girl in the counter said in a flirtatious voice.
Flash just nodded and Jenica gave her a glare.
Habang nag lalakad sila ay biglang nagtanong si Jenica, "Flash? Why didn't stand as witness? I mean you are the one who called the cops?"
He breathe heavily. "Remember my dad is a judge. He has many connections, hindi nya pinadawit ang pangalan ko dahil baka makasira sa kaniya" he looked down. "I am sorry Jenica, I was so messed up before, hindi ko pa alam kung anong gagawin all I can do is to listen to my dad. I know he is such a dick. I am sorry."
Jenica bitterly smiled. Malaking tulong sana ito sa kaniya but she's still thankful kung hindi dahil sa kaniya ay ba patay na rin siya. Kahit na ganoon ay hindi niya makuhang magalit sa binata.
"You will help me naman diba?"
"Yes, I will I promise. I will do everything that I can do."
Jenica smiled.
FLASH is feeling guilty. Hindi niya pa alam kung anong gagawin nood he had trauma. He needs to see shrink because of that. He keeps on having a nightmare. Isang taon din bago sya naka recovered.
Nakauwi na sila ni Jenica at alam niyang nalulungkot parin ang dalaga. "Jenica, I think you need to rest. I am really sorry I don't know how sorry I am, but I'll make it up to you I swear."
"Do you have some time tomorrow?" he asked.
"Yes" jenica replied.
"Ok, Susunduin kita bukas and we will talk. But for now I think you need to rest. Again I am sorry."
Flash was surprise when Jenica hugged him, "Thank you Flash. Don't feel sorry. Thanks because without you baka wala na din ako" she paused. Umalis na sya sa pagkakayakap, "I'm going home now. Thank you again Flash."
"Hatid na kita sa kotse mo."
"It's fine kaya ko na to. Bye Flash see you tomorrow."
Nakaalis na si Jenica nang biglang may tumawag kay Flash.
'Bro, I have all of the info about Jenica and you'll be in shock if you will read these.'
A/N: HIiiii finally an update HAHAHHA. Matagal na tong chap 4 kaso tlga nabusy and basta! Hope you guys enjoy reading. Love lots and Keep safe. Basa basa nalang muna ng watty wag na munang lumabas labas. See you guys on my next update!