⚠️ UNEDITED
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I scrolled down the file my own secretary had sent me, compromising the schedule of mines regarding the things I have to dwell on for the upcoming weeks. Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako sa dami ng aking gagawin.
Bawal ba magbakasyon ulit?
Itakas sana kami nila Leo again cutie.
Ilang linggo na rin ang nakalipas simula nung three day beach vacation namin sa villa na pagmamay-ari ng mga Lacson at Hunter. Kung gaano katagal na yon would be how long I've been courting Tori already.
After that specific transient moment, lagi ko siyang dinadalhan ng mga chocolate o kahit anong pagkain na matamis, basta't hindi vanilla, during the weekdays. Pag weekends, nag go-good morning ako sakanya sa e-mail tas dinadaldal siya doon.
Why there? Blinock ako ng babaeng yon sa lahat ng social media platform. Bwiset, kahit sa own cellphone number ko pa nga blinock ako non.
I tried texting her through the mentioned way kasi nakuha ko ang kanyang number from Kleo. However, isang message pa lang sinesend ko, hindi na ako nakasend ng isa pa.
Edi tinry ko sa e-mail. Ayon, hindi na ako mabloblock or maspaspam pa ni Kapre for the reason the said method of communication is important sa university kasi iyon ang paraan para makipag-usap sa mga professors patungkol sa mga grade, or rather, class matters. In result, wala siya nagawa kundi sagutin mga pinagsesend ko sakanya.
She thinks she can outsmart me? In all of those years I've lived, I'm wiser than her. Akala niya ha, mas mautak ako.
Modern problems require modern solutions.
Speaking of the aforementioned woman, ang salbahe niya kahit kailan. Talagang muntikan ako malunod because of her. I could vividly remember how the waves had already eaten me tas si Tori stinay put ako sa puwesto ko rather than letting me avoid it. She'd repeated it so many times hanggang sa nakita niya na nahihirapan na ako huminga due to the waves na sunod-sunod pumunta sa direction namin.
Tandang-tanda ko pa na I used all the strength I have inside of me para makawala sa kanyang pagkakahawak sa akin. Nevertheless, talagang mas malakas siya. She was never affected by all the violent acts I had done to her body during those couple of minutes of drowning me.
Matapos ang kagaguhan na ginawa ni Kapre, hindi ko siya pinansin the whole day. Ikaw ba naman halos sadyang lunurin ka, wouldn't you be upset with the movement the suspect had made?
Pero honestly speaking, parang nanaginip ako noong araw na yon. Matapos hindi ko siya binigyan ng attention, mas lalo niya akong nilambing. Getting my needed items for me, palaging niyayakap, and during the eating hours, her hand rested on my thigh the entire time.
Nagulat nga mga kaibigan ko sa mga ina-akto ni Kapre eh, I have the same reaction as theirs. We thought na may gusto na sa akin siya even though hindi pa nag-iisang linggo ang pinag-usapan namin na panliligaw. Kaso, masyado too good to be true kung ganon. Ang unrealistic kasi, in my view of course.
Ngunit pagkatapos nung naturang linggo, biglaan bumalik siya sa pagiging masungit. Sa totoo lang, 'di nakakatuwa. Still, I shouldn't have expected na she likes me already. Pero, tunay na iba ang pinapakita ng tingin niya non. However, baka nagpapalinlang lamang ako sapagkat gusto ko nga siya. Sabi nga ng karamihan, ang mga may gusto sa isang tao ay laging bulag sa mga galawan nila na pang 'red flag'.
The buzzing phone beside my laptop broke the chain of thoughts within me, eyes laying on the screen of the said device. My eyebrows furrowed as I saw the text 'Daddy' on the screen.
Bakit siya tumatawag?
I answered the call habang nakahilata ito sa kalatagan ng lamesa, putting it on speaker and removing my gaze away from the gadget to focus on the laptop's monitor again. "Yes, Daddy? Why'd you call?"
"Has the secretary sent you the arranged schedule already?" His cold voice could be heard from the speakers.
"I'm actually looking at it right now, bakit? May dagdag ba?"
Pag meron, talon na lang ako.
"Actually, what she'd sent wasn't the final one. There's one event you need to attend that wasn't inputted in the file." Tugon nito sa aking tanong.
Mas nagsalubong kilay ko. "Ano yung hindi nasali? Just tell it directly, Daddy."
"You're going on a date with the person I planned for you to marry. No buts. Nakapag-set na siya ng reservation sa Silveya's. Six thirty ang call time. There's a dress ready for you, kunin mo kay Scar. Alright, bye sweetie, love you!"
I haven't even said a single word, agad niyang ibinaba ang tawag. Inang 'love you' na yan, pangpabawi sa ginawa. He thought saying the aforementioned words would atone for what he did? No, magtatanim ako ng grudge sa biglaan date na kasama ang taong 'di ko gusto.
Pabagsak kong sinara ang laptop nakalapag sa lamesa. I swiftly stood up from my chair, walking immediately towards the door. With each step I take, mas lumalakas ang tunog ng yapak ko. The blood inside me rising upwards sa bawat hakbang aking iginagawa papunta sa pintuan.
Bibili muna ako ng inumin pampalamig bago pumunta kay Scar.
Baka mamaya kung ano pa magawa ko.
--------
"What the fuck, Daniella?!?"
"Gago?!"
"Dani?!?"
"Shit!"
An apologetic expression had spread all over my face while gaining eye-contact with the Faura person. "Hala! Sorry sobra, Scar!" Saad ko, bringing back my stare on the now ruined dress.
Mission success.
Silence had invaded the room as I took the fallen plastic cup, putting it in the trashcan at kumuha ng basahan upang punasin ang liquid sa sahig. Meanwhile doing the stated action, guilt slowly crept inside me. Nakakakonsensya, but I'll do anything para macancel 'yon.
Pagkaharap ko sakanila ulit, isang ngiti ang makikita sa labi ni Scarlett na nagpasimuno sa namumuong pagtataka sa aking loob. "Why are you smiling? Nasira ang damit na iginawa ng company niyo, okay ka pa ba?"
The dirty blonde haired woman shook her head, lips still remained smiling. "Yes, definitely. I'm fine, Dani." She chuckled, making us stare at her na parang nababaliw siya. "Okay nga lang yon, parang tinuturing niyo ako nalabas sa mental."
"I mean...Sino ba kasi magiging okay kapag ganon nangyari sa product nila?" Pagtatanong ni Natalie sa naturang babae, hand scratching the back of her own neck.
Tumingin ito sa nagsalita, arms crossing over one another. "Ah, yeah. Kaso Nat, dati ko na gustong sirain 'to kasi ang pangit ng design. May prinepare na akong damit for her, made with my own bare hands. 'Yon ang ipapasuot ko sakanya. Kaya, I wasn't panicking."
Aba'y pu-
Kalma, Daniella. Kumalma ka.
Some of them sighed in relief due to Scar's answer. On the other hand para sa iba, a relax appearance had plastered upon their faces unlike earlier where a tensed expression was evident due to the unexpected event occurred.
Based on what they've reacted, ginawa ko na rin lamang ang kanilang aksyon. I gave her a little smile. "Buti masipag ka, Scar. Life saver talaga kahit kailan."
From my peripheral vision, nakita kong may pagdududa sa pagmumukha ni Xy mula sa pagkasabi ko roon. I avoided her eyes, knowing the fact na baka umirap ako.
Ma-bloblow cover ko non.
"May magmamake-up ba sayo, Dani?" Laurel asked, folding her arms also.
Astonishingly, kahit nalaman namin na she's friends with Tori's group noon pa, hindi nagbago ang kanyang pakikitungo sa amin.
I shook my head. "Wala, at wala akong balak magpamake-up."
"Won't your father get mad? You're facing your fiancée after all." Alam ko 'yon, Raine. Pero, wala akong pake. I'm just trying to sabotage this whole fiasco.
I shrugged nonchalantly. "She should be accepting me for who I am, lalo na sa itsura. If she can't, then good luck sakanya pag nalaman ni Daddy."
I mentally patted the back of mines, galing ko mag-excuse.
"You do have a point. Still, kailangan mo pa rin 'no. Baka sitahin kami ng papa mo, that's not something we want." Wow, buti may pake ka, Faye. Well, it's true. Sila ang nasisita whenever things go wrong, pati ako nasesermonan.
Krinus ko ang aking mga kamay, head tilting a little bit to the side. "Then, sino magmamake-up sa akin and where? You all know I don't do heavy make-up. Kaya, less supply ng ganon ko in my condo."
"Ak-"
"-Let's go to my penthouse." Pagpuputol ni Laurel kay Natalie. "I can call Laine, Rowan, at si Kleo para mag-ayos sayo. They have so many varieties of it."
Dahil sa sinabi nito, an offended look was on the black haired woman's face. "Nakilala lang namin jowa mo, pinagpapalit mo na siya sa akin bilang make-up artist ng group natin?" Her hand moved towards her chest. "I'm hurt. Wala bang meaning sayo pinagsamahan natin? Mukha bang ako laruan to play with? Kapalit-palit ba a-"
"-Shut up, Roxanne. You spent too much time with Faye, go back to sticking with Scarlett and Raine. This personality of yours doesn't suit you. It literally contradicts your strict aura, which was you originally, not until the brat's influence." Iritadong sambit ni Hades, sentido nito hinihilot gamit ang kanyang kanang kamay.
The mentioned person was startled upon hearing her name, attention instantly turning towards the speaker. "Luh, ako na naman. Payaso mo ba ako Hades? Or, crush mo ako?"
"How idiotic could you be? Nakita mo na yung hickey noon tas magtatanong ka pa ng ganyan?"
The eyes of the raven-haired woman went up and down at Hades' figure judgmentally. "Kung maka-idiot ka dy-"
"When will you two stop fighting at this level of nonsense? You guys both look stupid." Paglulusot ni Xy sa usapan, brown orbs travel back and forth between the two bickering human beings before steadying itself on Laurel. "And, bakit tatlo ang mag-aayos? That's too many people for one person."
"Her fiancée reserved at Silveya's around six thirty. I think you guys forgot na ako ang maghahandle non once my father retires." Bumaba ulo nito upang tignan ang oras sa kanyang relo bago bumalik ang paningin niya sa aming magkakaibigan. "It's four sharp, we have less time to prepare. The more, the merrier. Hindi lang mukha ang aayusin, pati buhok mo. Mabilis silang tatlo mag ganon, maganda rin ang nagiging kinalalabasan. Trust me on this. If you guys think Natalie's and Scar's work is superb, wait for those three."
"Edi f-"
"-Maganda pa din gawa mo, Nat. Nevertheless, I'd say you should take notes on how they do it. Baka malagpasan mo pa skills nila." Laurel reassured the affronted woman. Sa kabilang banda kay Scar, she had an interested face rather than having a negative one.
"Well, you do have a point with the time. Let's go na, I'm assuming we're all exempted since it is a significant occasion for Dani." Xy stated, hand motioning towards the door along with being the first one to leave the room.
Sumunod kaming lahat sa yapak ng nauna. All of us walk together in silence papunta sa parking lot. After a few minutes went by, biglang nagsalita si Raine. "Question Hades, since you did received a hickey on your neck, what's the label between you and Kleo?"
Hindi umimik ang tinanungan nito muna, mata non ay nasa sahig. Her mouth finally opened, however the gaze of hers is on the ground. "...Friends." Mahina niyang saad.
Ha?
Their status up 'til now is just friends?
"Hades, baka magsexual-intercourse kayo nang wala sa oras tas magkaibigan pa din kayo afterwards ha. Bilang frenny mo, I think you need to confront Kleo kung ano meron sa inyong dalawa."
Lahat kami napatingin sa nagsalita na may gulat sa pagmumukha. Faye looked at each one of us with bewilderment scattered across her face. "Why are you all staring at me as if I've actually done something right for the first time?"
"I think you and Natalie had switched personas." Raine spoke up, eyes placed on the first speaker. "Surprisingly, may matino ulit na lumabas sa bunganga mo. Usually, si Nat ang nagsasabi non. She's somehow a good influence to you, pero ikaw sakanya? Not."
"Bleh! Ikaw na yung bagong Faye." The Lawrence woman stuck her tongue out, directing it at the other black haired person whose eyes rolled as a retort.
Hindi ko alam kung dinodogshow niya ang kanyang sarili. Her name got tarnished for real, tas may lakas na loob pa siya mag ganyan?
"Proud na proud ka pa diyan." Pagsasalita ko sa taong tuwang-tuwa.
A smug expression was on her face. "At least mas may improvement ako sa aking self kumpara sa relasyon ni Hades." Pagmamayabang nasa boses nito.
Binatukan siya ng taong kanyang binanggit. "I got a hickey from Kleo, what about you with Kai? None."
"Hinay ka, magpapabebe muna si Kai syempre. Buti nga sa akin 'di ako pinapaasa, straight to the point ang nagustuhan ko compared sayo." Nakatanggap muli siya ng isang batok na ikinangiwi niya.
Mga sira pareho 'to ng utak, okay pa sakanla e-show off yon.
"Pota! Tumigil ka ng-"
"Girls, we're here na. Maya na kayo mag bardagulan sa bahay ni Laurel. Ingat sa inyo, una na kami ni Xy." Scarlett cutted off Faye, waving at us bago magsipunta ang parehong babae sa direksyon ng mga sasakyan nila.
"Tsk. Ugh, fine. Tara na nga Raine, sana mabutas tires mo Hades." The speaker immediately took the Yltorre's hand, sprinting off para makatakas sa susunod na pagbatok ni Hades.
Laurel chuckled from the scene. "She's a nuthead, no?"
"Definitely. Pareho sila ni Daniella, childish." Hades stated, the stare of hers drifting away from the two figures across the distance just to look at mines.
Lah?
"May pagbabago din ako, wag ka." Inirapan ko 'to ngunit ganon rin ang ginawa niya sa akin.
"Yeah, it only operates when you're with Tori. What a big 'change' I'd say." Ulol Hades.
The Silveña giggled habang nagpapatayan na kami ni Magnus sa isa't isa gamit ang mga mata. "Punta ka na nga sa sasakyan mo, Dani. You know what would happen if this continues."
"Fine." I grumbled, tearing off the brown orbs of mine from the taller woman. "Ingat kayo, madapa ka sana Hades." Matapos sabihin yon, tumungo na ako sa kinalalagyan ng sasakyan ko.
Exactly when I've arrived, I stopped from opening the car's door upon noticing the tires of it. My forehead creased at the view I'm seeing.
Bakit na flat gulong ko?
Binuksan ko muna ang passenger seat ng sasakyan para ilagay ang mga kagamitan na aking dala before closing it and proceeding to inspect the tires.
I rounded the car to closely examine each of the tires. Butas ang isa sa harap, pero yon lamang ang nadali. I'm glad though, buti hindi nadamage ang iba.
The only problem is paano ko 'to mapapalitan?
Kahit meron man pampalit ako ng gulong, which I do have a spare tire, 'di ako marunong magpalit.
Napabuntong hininga ako, shaking my head at the fortuitous conflict being faced. "Tawagin ko na lang si Manong Josh." The hand of mine quickly went to where the gadget laid still in my blazer's pocket. Pagkakuha ko rito, I was one press away from calling him kaso napatigil ako dahil sa pagsulpot ng isang boses na aking ikinagulat.
"You look like a woman who has just gotten out of a divorce but is now facing multiple problems, such as child custody. What the hell is your problem?"
Inang describing na yan.
Panandalian ko siyang tinignan bago irapan at ibalik ang tingin sa nasirang gulong. Suddenly, similarly to the time of our mini vacation, her lips were against my neck once more, arms wrapped around the waist of mine.
Ayan na naman siya.
Bumago na ulit yung mood niya.
"You were fine a few hours ago, how come a mere broken tire made you this cranky?" Nanatili siyang yumakap nang mahigpit sa akin habang ang kanyang ulo ay nakahiga sa balikat ko.
I used one of my hands to push her head away while yung isa sinusubukan tanggalin ang mga braso nito sa bewang ko. "May nalalaman ka pang ganto, parang 'di mo ako trinato tulad ng isang bacteria simula nung matapos tayo magbeach. Tigil ka nga dyan sa pagpapaasa mo."
"Feisty, but what's the cause of this mood of yours? I presume it isn't only due to that." Even though I gave all of the strength I have stored within me, she didn't budge. One of her arms had unwrapped around my waist, moving upwards para patigilin ang kamay ko na nagtutulak sa ulo niya by grabbing it. "Stop. There's no people around. When did you even get shy?"
Wow, kapal ng mukha. Hindi ako nahihiya, 'no.
"It's called 'nasa school premises pa tayo', and this is PDA. Plus, hindi ba ayaw mo sa ganto? If I acted this way, it would obviously won't increase your trust sa akin." My brown orbs locked with hers, own hands halting from doing the actions earlier kasi wala din naman iyon patutunguhan.
"I remembered not stating anything about disliking these kinds of acts . In my opinion, it's inappropriate doing it. You're one of my professors after all, hence why I always had to shove you away from me." Her voice laid with a serious tone.
I rolled my eyes. "Actions speak louder than words. Maniniwala na sana ako sa 'flowery' words mo along with this present moves of yours, kaso ilang linggo ka pala nagmukhang nandidire sa akin." Tsaka, even if 'di mo ako professor, you would've still continued doing those movements showing na ayaw mo sa akin. Sabi nga ni Kleo, loyal ka. Loyal sa naunang nagustuhan.
Of course, hindi ko sasabihin ang anumang bagay na pumapasok sa aking isipan.
"Your choice on what you want to believe. Going back to my question, what or who made you grumpy? Also, do you have a spare tire? I may be able to fix this as long may toolbox dyan." Pagtatanong nito, eyes lingering towards the car.
"There is, I'll open it up. But first, tanggalin mo muna ito." I tapped her arms na nakayakap pa din sa akin. She removed it immediately. Mabilis ko nabuksan cargo ng lambo ko. Using my free hand, I gestured for Kapre to come closer which she obliged.
Habang naghahanda siya mag-ayos by removing her leather jacket pati paglalapag ng mga kagamitan sa sahig, the mouth of hers opened to talk. "Aren't you going to answer my question?"
"I don't want to talk about the issue." Pagsasagot ko sakanya. Nakita ko ang paglapag nito ng kanyang dalawang cellphone sa bubong ng aking sasakyan bago taliin ang buhok at magsimulang mag-ayos.
Out of nowhere, an idea had entered my mind na nag-udlot sa pag ngisi ko. Pasimple kong kinuha ang cellphone ni Tori na nakapuwesto sa bubong ng automobile.
"Why don't you want to? Is it related to the marriage thing?" She asked, attention focused on the work at hand.
When my hand had grasped two of her phones, I swiftly pulled it in my direction, hiding one of her phones in my blazer's pocket. As for the other one, inilapit ko ito sa aking katawan, using my arm to block it away from her vision. "Obviously." I shortly answered.
Pagkabukas ko sa screen ng hinahawak ko, the text 'Face ID' ang sumalubong sa akin and...Two rabbits?
Mas inexpect ko na pang dark type ang wallpaper niya, not these two cuties.
"You got a date night with the one your father set you up with in an arranged marriage, don't you?" Another question was thrown at my way as the fingers of mine searched for a clear picture of hers in my own device.
Baka sakaling gumana.
"Sinabi niya sayo?" I asked her na hindi pa rin siya hinaharap.
"No. Based on your reaction, it's possible. Happened to Kai, I don't see why it wouldn't occur to you." Huh? Hindi ba may nililigawan yon?
Kumunot noo ko sa aking narinig. "Isn't she courting someone?"
"Yes, the person she was set up with is the one she's courting." Arouch points kay Faye.
And one point sa akin, nabuksan ko na din cellphone nito. I was taken aback by what I've saw on her home screen. It contains an image of herself along with...The two rabbits again.
'Di kapani-paniwalang tingin ang nagbakas sa aking pagmumukha, glancing quickly at the person na nag-aayos sa gulong ng sasakyan. Seryoso ba 'to? She looks so deadly, could probably kill you if she wants to, but her wallpaper is something else.
"So, I have formed a hypothesis na mangyayari yon sayo." Pagdadagdag ng taga-ayos.
My eyes prevailed on gazing upon her figure. "Sa lagay kong 'to? Wag ka na umasa. Tinamaan mo na ako. In addition, it's not just because of that kaya ang pangit ng mood ko." Ibinalik ko ang aking paningin on the little task I was doing before nagsalita ako.
Binabalak kong tanggalin ang pagkakablock ng kanyang account sa sarili kong account at sa number ko na rin, nakakapagod kasi mag-abang sa e-mail.
"Then, what is it?"
"This is actually the first time I'll have a date tas hindi ikaw kasama ko. I want it to be with you." I genuinely told her, glimpsing at her para makita ang reaction nito. Nakita ko ang pagmumula ka-unti ng kanyang pisnge sabay ng pagtigil niya ng ilang segundo bago bumalik sa ginagawang trabaho.
Naaapektuhan na siya, in denial lang talaga 'tong Kapre.
Mas magugulat ako kung hindi, napakalambing ko sakanya the past few weeks tapos laging nagdadala ng mga pagkain for her. Impossible 'di pa yan mahuhulog.
The taller woman cleared her throat. "Too bad. On the bright side, she might probably be your type."
"Anong on the bright side dyan, wag ka na humanap ng pag-asa nga na magkakagusto pa ako sa iba." Finally, natapos ko na ang pagtanggal ng pagbloblock ng kanyang account on mines sa lahat ng social media platforms existing on her phone. I've also added my number in her contacts. Cute ng nickname ko doon.
Still, I didn't put back the phone on its placement earlier. Due to my curiosity, pumunta ako sa gallery ng cellphone nitong kausap kong babae.
...The first thing it displayed when I opened the app would be pictures and videos of her na may kasamang rabbits.
Well, at least walang babae?
"You did said 'actions speak louder than words'. It's possible you'll be betraying what you said right now, Dani."
"Have a little trust on me, I won't and would never." Pagsasabat ko habang nagscroscroll sa screen ng bagay nakalapag sa aking palm.
A response had never came after the statement I spewed out. With no conversation going on, pinindot ko ang isang video sa gallery nito. It was only then I've realized na mistake pala yung move na iyon.
Her head shot up quickly due to the sound coming from the gadget I was holding. "Is that my fucking phone, Daniella?!"
Yawa!
"Hehe." I gave her a cheesy smile. Her eyes were giving me the death glare, sharply piercing into my own ones. Gayunpaman, hindi siya gumalaw sa puwesto niya, continuing to do the work she's doing na nagpataka sa akin.
"Shouldn't you be murdering me?" I'm aware na I invaded her privacy, so expect ko baka sakalin ako nito. .
Umirap lamang si Kapre. "I've got nothing to hide there. So, what's the point exerting effort to kill you when you wouldn't find anything malicious in the phone you're holding."
Dapat bang e-overthink ko sinabi niya? 'In that phone' eh.
"Edi nasa ibang phone mo?" Krinus ko ang aking mga braso habang hawak pa rin ang cellphone ng kausap.
"I don't do malicious things, I'm a student. I have a mind, Daniella. Unlike you..." The volume of her voice lowered a little when she'd said the last two words.
Gago 'to.
"Narinig ko yon, wag ka. Malakas pandinig ko." Luh, inirapan ako ulit.
Hindi na nagkaroon ng pag-uusap pagkatapos non kaya nagpatuloy ako sa panonood ng videos na puro kasama niya ang mga kuneho.
At the moment na salpak nito ang gulong nang maayos, she stood up along with stretching her body. "It's done. You can drive it na. This is the only tire that was flattened out, right?"
I nodded sabay matamlay kong binigay ang dalawang cellphone nito. "Yeah."
Tori cocked her head to the side, arms crossing in the process. "You still seem a little down even if you had used my phone without my permission. Would it help brighten your mood if sinabi ko I would allow you to take me out on a date?"
Likewise with how fast a light travels, the enervated feeling inside of me had went away with the same speed of it. A tingling of shock was the one to replace what I've felt earlier, sabay non ang pagbilis ng tibok ng aking puso. On the other hand for my expression, a dumb founded look had spread all over my face. "Ha? Majojowa na kita?"
"I said 'I would allow you to take me out on a date' not 'I would date you'. Do you need a check up for your hearing?"
Totoo ba 'to? Siya pa nag suggest niyan? Weh ba? No false? Baka niloloko ako nito. Ang random kasi, 'di nakakapaniwala.
Kinikilig ako gago!
I bit my inner cheek to prevent myself from smiling widely as multiple ideas had went into my mind. Shet, baka nakakamove-on na siya?
"Mukha kang natatae dyan, stop whatever you're thinking or I'll take back what I've said." I was jolted out of the train of thoughts that had invaded my mind dahil sa kanyang biglaang pagsasalita. Yung pagmumukha niya parang magsusungit na naman.
Impulsively, I wrapped my arms around her waist, hugging her tightly. "Thank you for letting me. Pero, sure ba na 'di yan biro?"
"I'm not. Once I uttered out a word, I meant it." She returned the gesture, combing my hair also na ikinabigla ko.
Masyadong sinuswerte yata ako ngayon araw kumpara noong mga nakaraang linggo.
"You're too nice today, baka mamaya 'di na kita makausap sa univ ah. Siguro pagkatapos nito, e-rereal life block mo na ako." Pagsasalita ko muli. Nung ginawa niya ang mga gantong klaseng galawan sa beach, blinock ako sa lahat ng social media the following week. Baka sa real life rin mangyari yon?
"You were annoying, a reason why I blocked you. Texting me every damn minute, don't you have anything else to do?" Hihi, guilty as charge.
"Meron. E-update ka na 'di ako nambabae." I jokingly said, eliciting an eye roll from her. "Ano pala pangalan ng rabbits mo? I suppose na sayo yon given the fact puro sila ang nilalaman ng phone mo."
Na-iinggit nga ako sa puting rabbit niya. Nakahiga ba naman sa kanyang chest. Swerte non, sana ako rin.
Charot.
As for the black rabbit, hindi siya gaanong malambing. Mukhang galit kasi palagi sa videos.
A contemplating look was evident on her face. Pangalan na nga lang, ipagdadamot pa ni Kapre yon?
"Daisy Rose and Viola Lily." Mahinang sambit nito matapos ang ilang segundong katahimikan. Mukhang nahihiya pa nga 'to sabihin eh.
Ay kaya pala, cute kasi ng pangalan. Akala ko pang deadly magiging names nila.
I broke the hug, stepping back a little to give some space between the two of us. "Didn't expected that. I thought it would be something unusual na may deep meaning."
Kumunot ang noo ng babaeng kausap ko. "You think I'm like those dark type people who makes things harder for themselves? Well, I'm not."
Ulol. Edi sana 'di sinabi ni Kleo yung sinabi niya sa hospital back then. 'Why do you even insist in continuing any of these rather than fully using your resources?' As stated by her friend. Ganda ng aking memory, no? Kabisado ko pa din sinabi non.
Actually, hindi ko kinakalimutan ang mga nangyari nung gabing yon sa utak ko. It's a key fragment in solving the unknown mystery of what's going on in Tori's life. Any event na may critical information dinidisclose would just remain inside the back of my mind, even if it dates back from four years ago.
"Weh? 'Di ako naniniwala." For the nth time today, umirap siya muli. Bilang pagtugon doon, I also acted what she did. "By the way, don't block me again. Pag 'di ako nakapagtext sayo, babagsak kita." Pagbabanta ko sakanya.
"Figured that was the reason why you had messed with my phone. I won't. Just don't use it without my permission next time." Ay? So, pahihiramin ako nitong babae ng cellphone niya basta magpapaalam ako?
Tinutupad na ba ni Lord hiling ko?
Ano ba dinasal ko last night biglang ganto nagaganap ngayon araw.
"Sige na, ingat ka sa pagmomotor mo. I'll head to Laurel's penthouse na." Pagpapaalam ko after remembering na may gagawin pa nga ako at baka hinihintay na nila ako sa bahay ng taong binanggit.
Once I'd entered the car and was about to close the driver's door, a hand held the door open, making me unable to shut it. I questioningly looked at the black haired woman. "Yes? May need ka pa ba?"
"Don't you have any suspicions on how your tire went flat?"
My eyebrows furrowed dahil sa tanong nito. "N-" Hindi ko tinuloy ang dapat kong sasabihin sapagkat may kaisipan pumasok sa akin.
Should I say it?
Medyo may tiwala naman ako sakanya pero at the same time, hindi. Siya mismo ang nakakaduda eh.
Wala naman mawawala siguro pag sinabi ko.
"I do know for the fact na drive ko 'to nang maayos pa papunta rito. Wala ako matandaan na nakadaan ako ng matalas sa road kasi if meron, I would've been long gone to the hospital since the car wouldn't have been very controllable. Or, baka sinuswerte lang ako. I mean, madami din kasi na flat pero nataguyod pa yung sasakyan nila for some quite distance." I truthfully answered her query.
"You've parked this vehicle well kaninang umaga, it wasn't damaged as far as I can recall. Kleo and I would've noticed it too if it was flat based on the car's angle from our view. Don't you think someone sabotaged it during the school hours?" Humina boses nito to the point mahirap siyang intindinihin pag 'di ka malapit sakanya.
"Alam kong mahigpit security ng school, pero even the tightest ones has a way through. Tsaka, you were there?" 'Di ko siya nakita kaninang umaga ah?
"We were in that tree spot." Ginamit niya ang kanyang hintuturo sa pagpoint ng kanilang location. "Your attention was on the screen of your phone. Kaya, di mo kami napansin."
Oo nga pala, di ko talaga sila mapapansin noong mga oras na yon. Andami kong binabasa na e-mails non, sabay-sabay ba naman kasi pinahandle sa akin ang mga negosyo namin. Tunay na epal si Daddy, sorry not sorry.
"I don't have enemies, sa pagkakaalam ko. But my dad has lots of them." Tumingin ako sa ibang lugar, breaking the eye-contact formed. "Kaso, if I was their target, noon pa sana nila ginawa ang mga gantong bagay."
"When was the last time you handled a court case?" She leaned against my car.
"Before magsimula pasukan. Still, it wouldn't make sense. Malapit na mag ber months, bat ngayon lang?" Pagsusundan ko ng tanong.
"Right. As a friend, I could only advice you to strengthen your security. You have no clue who your opponent is, neither didn't even notice about this unless sabihan ka. You might put yourself in danger with how oblivious you are sa surroundings mo. To add, use your father's investigators. I heard na mabilis sila." Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ako kasi may pake siya o maiinsulto because of the 'oblivious' part.
Although wala akong exposure sa danger, my father had already educated me regarding about it in order for me to know kung paano e-handle ang mga ganon na sitwasyon. I've developed some skills, too, along the way during those lectures of his.
Tumango ako sa sinabi nito, acknowledging what she'd said. "I do know those things. Wag ka masyadong mag-alala, baka mamaya bigla ka umamin na gusto mo ako." Kinindatan ko siya, resulting for a disgusted expression to appear.
"Keep on dreaming, Daniella. Anyways, do you even have guards with you?" I shook my head as a reply. "You're more of an idiot than I thought you would be. Why are you even roaming around when you don't have any security?"
"Kung makalait ka wagas ha. I actually paid them to not follow me." Umiwas ako ng pagtingin sapagkat alam ko talagang magiging kutsilyo ang mga mata nito sa akin.
"What the fuck?"
"Well, I'm sorry na ayaw kong maramdaman may nakasunod sa akin palagi kasi need ko ng protection all the time?" Pagrarason ko, eyes going back towards her figure. Kahit nagrason ako, di umubra ito sakanya base sa 'di pagbabago ng kanyang tingin sa akin.
Her head shook left and right, one hand going upwards to her head, massaging her temples in the process. "You're a literal nut head. I'm surprised you're alive 'til this very moment. Be thankful your dad's opponents aren't much aggressive." She sighed, lowering down the hand utilized for massaging seconds ago. "You're going to Laurel's, right? You drive first, I'll follow you hanggang sa makarating ka doon."
Ay.
Dapat na ba akong kiligin.
My eyebrows furrowed. "Question, why are you even doing this? You could've gone home by now."
"If your father knew I was there when you were assassinated, I'm pretty sure he would make my life a living hell. So, I'm not taking that risk." She answered, getting off from leaning against my car. Biglang nagsalubong na din kilay nito. "Don't think as if I care, I'm just doing a favor in my side and yours. I'll head towards my motor na. Te-text kita when I'm ready to go." She'd left after saying those words.
Pass, 'di na ako kikiligin.
Weh ba na wala siyang pake sa akin?
Parang kanina lang yumayakap pa 'to tsaka hinahalikan leeg ko, ngayon ang sungit niya na ulit.
Pangit nitong kapre, amputcha.
May bipolar disorder ata 'to eh, maharot at one point tas biglang babalik sa pagiging cold. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung nagkakagusto na ba siya sa akin o baka pinipilit niya lang ang kanyang sarili na lambingin ako whenever I'm in a bad mood.
From the corner of my vision, the screen of my device had lit up. Kinuha ko 'to kaagad at binuksan ang message request sa messenger.
Today
4:51 PM
Victoria Hernandez
I'm ready, text me back when you are.
Rereplyan ko na sana siya sa particular social media platform, kaso I remembered the nickname I've assigned for myself sa contacts niya. Doon ko na lamang napagpasyahan siya e-chat.
Kapreng sungit🚬
Today
4:52 PM
Me
Salpak ko lang yung susi tas ipa-init ko. Nalimot ko pala paandarin yung sasakyan, sensya.
Kapreng sungit🚬
WHY IS YOUR FUCKING CONTACT NAME LIKE THIS DANIELLA?!?
YOU'RE LUCKY YOU ARE IN YOUR DAMN CAR
Hehe.
Napatingin ako sa left side ko, only to see a dagger stare being thrown towards my direction. I innocently smiled, evoking an eye roll from her along with the returning of her death glare.
Bleh!
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A/N: What if ito na yung last chapter na e-rerelease ko kasi nahanap ng kaibigan ko account ko? And,
what if sunod ako sa sinabi niya? Chz.
Lalagay na talaga ako ng word limit, pahaba lang nang pahaba gawa ko hatdog. From 5k to 6k words🥲 Kaya di ako nakakapag-update kaagad, katamad mag-edit dami ko pa naman drafts na💀