Episode 04: Miss Frankenstein

• • • TUTTI • • •

WE WOKE UP early on our very first day at the funeral home. We will have our first class today which is Physical Education with the robust Ms. Ferrer at 6:30 am. Rum, our inahin, prepared fried rice, bacon, sunny side up, and coffee for our breakfast.

We ate happily, especially me.

I love food and eating. Really love.

But I have fast metabolism kaya kahit lumamon ako nang lumamon ay hindi pa rin ako tumataba. I will forever remain as a petite, 5'0 ft tall Filipino-Chinese with very unusual habits.

When were done preparing and already in our PE uniforms, we went to school together on Dean's wheels. It was still too early that the gymnasium wherein most students scramble for space during PE classes and sports trainings seemed spacious and large enough for the six of us including Ms. Ferrer.

Nakaupo kaming lima sa bleachers habang pinapakinggan ang tigasing si Ms. Ferrer. She has toned body physique and tanned skin. Patunay nang matinding inclination niya sa sports at defense trainings. Nonetheless, she can still grab many attention.

"Good morning, Charmings. For our special PE class, we will be having combative sports. In here, you will undergo a series of physical trainings, self-defense, and weapon use. I believe we shouldn't waste time so we'll test your self-defense immediately today. I will only need one for the boys and one for the girls for this meeting."

Tone: Serious and authoritative

Speech Pattern: Normal style of instructing but injected some personal conviction

Indication: Three things
1. She is quite impatient,
2. We will sure work out some sweat in this class, and
3. She just warned 'brace yourself'.

"Let's start. Boys, who among you will do the honor?" she asked.

In just a snap, Dean was already smirking in front of her. He loves physical activities, especially those that require some breaking of bones.

"The instruction is simple. You have to fight me and make sure to take me out of this mat's border while you keep this key in your hand," said Ms. Ferrer while tossing the single key towards Dean who quickly caught it.

"Let's st–"

Natigil ang sasabihin sana ni Ms. Ferrer nang mabilis siyang umilag sa walang pasabing atake ni Dean.

Rum inhaled sharply. Halatang hindi nagustuhan ang nasaksihan. Nang mapabaling ako sa mga katabi kong babae na nasa likuran ni Rum nakaupo ay napansin kong nakakagat-labi si Snow while Queen was grimacing at the scene.We all know that this excites Dean so much.

Dean and Ms. Ferrer were of equal speed. Mabilis na umaatake at mabilis na umiilag. However, this game seemed to get more of Dean's excitement.

Napatayo si Rum sa gulat saka sinigawan si Dean na tama na nang sipain nito si Ms. Ferrer sa sikmura dahilan nang pagkakatilapon nito palabas ng mat at kung hindi pa nakontrol ni Ms. Ferrer ang sarili ay malamang humampas na siya sa pader.

"Paano ba ‘yan, ma'am? Nanalo ako," Dean declared proudly.

Pinagpagan ni Ms. Ferrer ang parteng sinipa ni Dean habang naglalakad ulit pabalik ng mat saka kinuha ang kanyang clipboard at ballpen. She jotted down something for awhile then she stopped in front of the now smirking Dean.

"Raj, Alladean Rikkard. Very strong but lacks focus. Failed," she said.

"What? How can you say that after I just send you almost flying out of this mat?" inis na ganti ni Dean.

Ms. Ferrer brought down her clipboard, faced him, and asked, "Where's the key then?"

I saw Dean stiffened. He raised his right palm where the key should be but it was not there anymore.

"Where..." naguguluhang bulong ni Dean.

"I took it while you were busy throwing punches on me," said Ms. Ferrer while wiggling the key in her hold.

"Raj failed. Now let's proceed to the girls," she stated, turning to us.

I looked at Snow. She was still biting her lower lip, fidgeting her hands, and her head lowered.

She's scared.

I turned to Queen whose eyes were still fixed in front, never looking anywhere.

Ayaw niya rin.

Napabuntong-hininga ako at tumayo na. Napaangat ng tingin si Snow sa akin.

"Tutti," she mumbled.

Tinanggal ko ang bandana scrunchie sa kaliwang wrist ko at sinakop ang mahaba kong blonde na buhok para i-ponytail iyon.

Kumunot ang noo ni Dean na pabalik na sana sa posisyon niya kanina katabi ni Rum.

"Ma'am, hindi ba pwedeng kaming mga lalaki na lang ang lalaban sa araw na 'to?" tanong niya kay Ms. Ferrer.

"This is why we have this class. I have to train all of you. Kung palaging kayong mga lalaki lang ay papaano poprotektahan ng mga babae ang mga sarili nila kung wala kayo? Remember that you signed up for something that requires a great deal of courage, strength, and focus," paliwanag ng guro.

Inis na bumaling si Dean sa tahimik na si Rum at tinuro ako sabay tanong nang, "Sigurado kang hahayaan mong lumaban ang kutong-lupang 'to?"

Mist.

He called me kutong-lupa!

"Kaya ko!" I hissed and Rum looked at me.

Nagtitigan kami ng ilang segundo. Walang iling at walang salita. Just silence.

I smirked and immediately made my way in front of Ms. Ferrer.

"Hayaan mo siya, Dean. Alam kong kaya niya," dinig kong bulong ni Rum.

• • • QUEEN • • •

"TUTTI, HAND ME your ID," Rum called Tutti.

The tiny Chinese doll jogged her way back to Rum, her bandana scrunchie swinging at her every movement. She removed the ID hanging on her neck, gave it to him then returned to Ms. Ferrer.

I couldn't believe Rum would let her do this silly stuff.

Yes, this is silly.

"Kinakabahan ako para kay Tutti," bulong ni Snow sa tabi ko.

You should have volunteered then!

Hindi ko siya pinansin.

No matter how I belittle her on not volunteering, I know we're just the same. Same coward.

"Let's start," Ms. Ferrer announced and threw the key to Tutti who threw it back to her much to our surprise.

"Ako na po ang kukuha," paliwanag niya.

Tumango si Ms. Ferrer at nauna nang kumilos. She ducked to kick Tutti on her shin but the latter was quick enough to jump on her position and stepped aback.

Pinagtuunan ko ng pansin si Tutti. Hindi mo siya kakikitaan ng takot. She's even smiling as if she's enjoying it and she's very quick.

Nagulat si Ms. Ferrer doon but that didn't stop her from throwing more kicks and punches. Si Tutti naman ay panay ang mabibilis na ilag. It's either she'll step on either of her sides or she'll duck.

Nang madala na siya ni Ms. Ferrer malapit sa border dahil sa kaiilag niya ay doon na umaksyon si Tutti. She ducked and quickly moved behind Ms. Ferrer saka niya ito tinulak mula sa likuran. Before Ms. Ferrer went out of balance, she composed herself and grabbed Tutti's hand, the one she used to push her, from her behind.

Si Tutti naman ay mabilis na tumalikod to release her hand from the instructor's hold which she did successfully saka siya lumayo rito. Ms. Ferrer ran towards her, spun around and kicked Tutti. Sinalo ni Tutti ang paa ni Ms. Ferrer sa halip na tumakbo at umilag. She pulled her leg closer. Panay ang amba ng suntok ni Ms. Ferrer in which Tutti quickly deflected. Mabilis na itinulak ni Tutti si Ms. Ferrer palabas ng mat hawak-hawak pa rin ang binti nito. She spun around and tackled the instructor down on the matted floor.

Ramdam kong nagulat kami ng katabi ko sa nangyari. Sinulyapan ko si Snow na nakaawang ang labi sa nasaksihan. We honestly didn't expect that. Tutti was just this small petite girl and she did knock that athletic instructor down.

Tutti offered her right hand to pick up Ms. Ferrer which the latter quickly took.

"Magaling pero hindi mo pa rin nakukuha ang su-"

"Ito po ba ang tinutukoy niyo?" Tutti cut off the instructor, showing the key in between her thumb and index finger.

"How's that..." Binuksan niya ang nakakuyom na palad na ngayon ay hairpin na ang laman.

"Fighting and keeping an eye on your goals are quite distracting. Kaya sa inyo ko na po pinahawak ang susi," Tutti answered.

Nagulat si Ms. Ferrer pero kaagad din naman niyang binawi ang ekspresyong iyon at nangingiting umiling. Ibinigay ni Tutti sa kanya ang susi. Tutti really has skillful hands. Kinuha ni Ms. Ferrer ang clipboard at nagsulat doon.

"Vega, Tuttieana Darcy. Strong and focused. Passed," she said.

She brought down her clipboard and dismissed us. "Let's call it a day, Charmings."

OUR NEXT CLASS will be Professor David's at the campus station. The first meeting went on with him discussing about the history of the funeral home and service. He further introduced us to the secret room of the funeral home.

He said that adjacent to the right of the main entrance door was the Simulation Room that only appears when we need it. So, this explains why we haven't seen it yesterday. Yorme said that aside from the basement, this room was one of the most enchanted and magical–as how he puts it. Marami itong kayang gawin at sobrang espesyal din nito.

Ang elevator din sa second floor katabi ng kwarto ng mga lalaki ay available lamang gamitin kung may ibababa kaming mabibigat na gamit gaya ng cart na may lamang mga pagkaing ise-serve namin sa funeral ceremony at vigils.

The class ended with a reminder from him about our first project which was the arrangement of Ms. Daiana Abrea's funeral–the Miss Frankenstein we encountered at the street the other day. He then gestured Rum to come near him so that they can talk.

"Sandros, I'll entrust with you your group. Make sure they will attend their special classes. Kung babagsak ang isa ay babagsak ang lahat," Prof. David reminded Rum.

I turned to look at them and I caught Rum nodding his head courteously at the tiny professor.

"Makakaasa po kayo, Sir David," he promised.

When all of us are out of the room and away from the professor's earshot, Rum also began his reminder.

"Narinig niyo 'yon? Kailangan nating pumasok sa sari-sariling klase natin, lalong-lalo na sa special classes natin. Kung hindi papasok ang isa sa atin ay babagsak tayong lahat."

His eyes silently passed through my direction before returning it to the three other people in front who also stopped in their tracks.

I squinted my eyes in annoyance.

He was insinuating something.

"Ang unfair naman no'n! 'Yong isang laging hindi pumapasok, iyon lang dapat ang babagsak," Tutti argued.

"Hindi ko pinaparinggan si Queen ha, pero parang ganoon na nga," she added.

I sharply looked at her.

"Che cavolo! Even if don't attend my classes, I still get perfect scores!" I hissed and Tutti stifled a laughter.

"I don't see that as a valid excuse for your tardiness but please do continue ranting with that Italian accent," she said and I hissed again.

Rum stood between us and turned his attention on me.

"Queen, seryoso ako. Kailangan mo nang pumasok sa mga klase mo. Si Snow umaasa sa scholarship na 'to. Si Dean naman gustong maka-graduate on time. Si Tutti naman ayaw bumagsak," he explained.

Tiningnan ko sila isa-isa. Tutti was nodding, Snow smiled shyly, and Dean was fixed on his phone.

"Tsk."

I crossed my arms and drew my eyes off them.

I don't like this.

"I have to go."

Napatingin kaming lahat kay Dean nang magpaalam siya.

"Saan ka pupunta?" Rum asked.

"I'll get the Jeep Wrangler I bought yesterday," Dean replied.

"Wow. Sana all papalit-palit ng car," komento ni Tutti sabay pasimpleng tapon ng tingin kay Rum na umiling lang.

"Wala na pala kaming pasok ni Dean sa araw na 'to," Rum said, probably recalling our schedules.

"Yup, these two special classes are the only ones I have for today. I gotta go!"

And he's gone.

When Lee and the Communication gang passed by us, they waved at Tutti who eagerly and immediately joined them.

"Bye, guys!"

"Mauna na din ako, guys. Sabi kasi ng kaklase ko may group work pa daw kami sa Botany." Snow also made her exit.

"I'm going now. Wala rin pala akong klase ngayon."

Tiningnan ako ni Rum saka biglang nilahad niya ang kanang palad niya sa akin. I stared at his opened palm.

"Talaga? Patingin ng schedule mo," he said.

Argh!

"Oo na! Papasok na!"

I heard him chuckle. Tumalikod na ako at nagsimulang maglakad papunta sa klase nang sabayan niya ako.

"Hahatid na kita para makasigurado akong sa klase ka nga tutuloy," aniya.

I darted him a glare and he just chuckled once again.

Pumasok ako klase. Shock was evident on my classmates' faces when I entered the room. I looked back at the door and saw Rum standing there, waving at me smilingly.

The scene reminded me so much of a mother sending her preschool daughter on her very first day in school. I rolled my eyes but can't help smiling.

AFTER OUR LAST period for today at 1:00 pm, we immediately rode a cab to go home to the Overlook–Tutti and Snow named the funeral home that way and Rum agreed.

They justified that the location of the funeral home was overlooking the cityscape and the place reminded them so much of the hotel from the movie 'The Shining'. Panghuli, sabi ni Tutti ay nakakapagod daw bigkasin nang paulit-ulit ang funeral home lalo na at may apat na syllables ito. That's what I don't get it.

Pagbalik namin sa Overlook ay kaagad na kaming kumilos para sa funeral ni Daiana Abrea. Yorme said that we have to find her remains first so that we can proceed to the funeral preparation. The remains are very important during funerals. Isa iyong ticket sa biyahe papuntang afterlife.

We were all gathered at the lobby except Dean who's still not home since he bid goodbye to get his new car.

Nasa mahabang parihabang lamesa kami nagtitipong apat. Tutti was busy doing things on her laptop. Suot-suot niya ang anti-radiation niyang glasses. Si Snow naman tamang upo lang at sulat ng mga nakukuhang impormasyon ni Tutti. Rum with his reading glasses on was scanning a lot of papers laid atop the table.

Ako naman ay nanonood lang habang panaka-nakang tumitingin sa phone ko to shop for clothes, accessories, and bags online.

"I've hacked Daiana's social media accounts. Facebook at twitter lang ang meron siya at parehong hindi siya active sa dalawa. However, I managed to get a hold of her some important details. I've also tracked Lara Abrea, her sister's fb acount. Ibang username ang gamit nito pero mabuti na lang at nahanap ko. It's Acuii Si Aral Aerba..." Tutti trailed off, squinting her already chinky eyes.

Hawak niya ngayon ay ang printed copy ng mga document. Being the language nerd that she always was, she cringed at the sight and mention of that username. It's like the creation of that idea as username was a huge insult to the founders of linguistics.

"Forgive this poor soul, Avram Noam Chomsky," Tutti whispered.

See?

What a nerd.

"Anyway, using my anonymous fb account, I sent Lara a private message, told her we're investigating about her sister's death, and we'll help in searching for her remains and planning her funeral. She gave me her phone number," Tutti added.

Napabaling sa kanya si Rum at inabot ang isang malinis na bond paper.

"Write it down, please."

Snow took the paper instead and wrote the digits down. Then, she gave it to Rum who immediately reached for the telephone on his side and dialed the number.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. Is this Lara Abrea speaking?" panimula ni Rum gamit ang Briton niyang accent.

Sumagot ang nasa kabilang linya. Hindi namin marinig ang sinasabi nito kaya si Rum na lang ang inaabangan naming magsalita.

"We are from the Charmings' Funeral Home. We will promise to give your sister the funeral she deserves but we have to know where her remains are so that we can prepare the funeral," si Rum.

Tahimik ulit na pinakinggan ni Rum ang kabilang linya.

"Oh, you still don't know? It's okay, ma'am. You don't have to worry. We'll do our best to find it. We just have a few more questions to ask if it's okay with you."

Rum listened again to Lara.

"Okay, we'll start. With whom was she last seen?"

Rum gestured for a pen and a paper so Snow quickly handed them to him.

"Prince Castroverde? Her boyfriend. Hmm.. Have you talked to him?"

Lumapit ako at binasa ang mga sinulat ni Rum habang patuloy siya sa pagsagot sa kausap.

• Prince Castroverde — Boyfriend
• Last seen together — three months ago
• He said he was out of the country on Daiana's night of disappearance.
•Everyone proved his claim and even showed his plane ticket
• A Biology student from UP
• Has strained relationship with Daiana

"Thank you so much, ma'am. We'll keep in touch with you for updates. We'll promise that." Rum ended the call.

"Tutti, search for Prince Castroverde," he ordered Tutti.

"Tapos na. Look at this."

Inabot ni Tutti ang printed copy ng isang picture ni Daiana na nakangiti habang nakaakbay sa isang lalaki.

"I deduced it's her boyfriend basing on the proximity," paliwanag ni Tutti.

Kinuha ni Rum ang copy at pinagmasdan.

"Contact details ni Prince?"

"Couldn't find any. Mukhang walang social life ang isang 'to which was actually weird," sagot ni Tutti na tinanguan naman ni Rum.

"Snow, ang sabi ni Lara Biology student daw si Prince. Pamilyar ba sa'yo?" tanong ni Rum.

Umiling si Snow pagkatapos tingnang maigi ang larawan.

"Hindi siya pamilyar sa akin. Maybe he's our senior or baka hindi lang talaga siya masyadong pumapasok," Snow retorted.

"Do you think this Prince has something to do with Daiana's murder and that he also knew about where her remains could be?" I butted in.

"Malaki ang posibilidad lalo na at nagkatugma ito sa kwento rin sa akin ni Daiana nang kausapin ko siya sa room niya kanina. Si Prince raw ang huli niyang natatandaang tao and this is very significant for souls. Malaki ang gampanin ng taong 'to sa nangyari kay Daiana. Usually, souls only remember those people or memories that have something to do with their deaths," Rum replied.

I looked at my phone when it started ringing. It's Dean calling. He probably knew I'll be the best one to talk to since I'm always with my phone.

I swiped my phone to answer his call. "Yes?"

"I'm outside the Overlook. You may all come out now so that we can eat," he said.

Sinabi ko sa iba ang gustong mangyari ni Dean. Everyone thought it's a good idea so we gathered our things and prepared ourselves to go.

• • • TUTTI • • •

NAKAABANG NA SA amin si Dean sa parking lot habang nakasandal at aviators pa sa bago niyang kotse.

His Jeep Wrangler was of color black, ready for adventure, and looked dangerous. Kind of like him.

Naunang pumasok si Snow sa backseat. Halatang may iniiwasang mangyari. I smirked teasingly.

"Dean, saan tayo?" asked Rum from my behind.

"Sa Divisoria. Doon sa dating kainan pa rin," he answered.

"Let's go, guys! Si Dean manlilibre!" I happily chanted.

Papasok na sana ako sa backseat katabi ni Snow nang inunahan ako si Queen.

"Bakit d'yan ka naupo, Queen? Doon ka sa front seat," I said.

"No, thanks. I don't trust this car as much as I don't trust Dean with my life."

Touché.

May punto naman talaga siya.

"Okay. Rum, d'yan ka na," sabi ko sabay turo sa front seat.

Umakyat na ako sa sasakyan at tumalima naman si Rum sa sinabi ko. Nang makarating kami sa paborito naming barbeque-han ay umorder kaagad kaming lima.

"Anong gusto niyong drinks?" tanong ni Dean.

There was a sudden rise on his pitch. Excited uminom, boy?

"Do they already serve wine here?" biglaang tanong ni Queen na mukhang first timer sa lugar ng mga ordinaryong tao.

"Rich kid." Mahina akong siniko ni Snow dahil sa binulong ko.

"Apat na beer, then," Dean concluded but Rum immediately stopped him.

"Bakit apat? Isa lang. 'Wag mo nang painumin ang tatlong 'to." Tinuro niya kaming tatlong mga babae.

"May sinabi ba akong para sa kanila? Akin lahat nang apat na 'yon!"

"Dean, baka ma-alcohol poisoned ka n'yan. Sabi pa naman sa ‘kin ni Queen, lasing ka na naman noong nakaraang gabi bago tayo lumipat ng Overlook," pag-aalala ni Nanay Rum.

Binalingan naman ni Dean si Queen na tinitinidor ang isaw niya. Nasapo ko ang noo ko.

Wow. Wala akong masabi sa reyna.

"Sinabi mo sa kanya?" tanong ni Dean kay Queen habang nakaturo kay Rum.

"And then what? You'll get drunk again, gatecrash in my house, and throw up on my silk lavender bed! Not again, stronzo!"

Napabuntong-hininga si Dean at binalingan si Rum.

"Sige na. Dalawa na lang bibilhin ko basta sa'yo 'yong isa," aniya kay Rum.

"Guys, groupie tayo!" I exclaimed and positioned my phone.

I flashed a toothy smile. Sina Snow at Rum masayang nakangiti. Si Queen nakataas ang kilay tapos si Dean naman middle finger ang itinaas. Nang makuhanan iyon ay ibinaba ko na ang phone. Kunot-noong napabaling naman si Rum kay Dean.

"Dean, your middle finger."

"So?" Dean shrugged his shoulders and drank on his beer.

"That's bad. Paano kung makita ng mga prof natin iyon kapag pinost na ni Tutti?"

Dean tsked, brought down his bottle of beer, and made a sad face.

"Sorry po, inay. Hindi ko na po uulitin," parang bata niyang sabi.

Napailing na lang si Rum at sumimsim na rin sa kanyang beer.

"Mga kabataan talaga ngayon," he commented.

Since when did he really become our mother? Humagikhik naman ako pagkarinig ko no'n. Maging si Snow ay hindi na rin napigilan ang sarili at bumungisngis na. Kaya ka napagkakamalang inahin namin Rum, e!

Nahuli ko pa si Dean na natigilan at segundong napatitig sa mahinhing bumubungisngis na si Snow. Oh...

WE WERE DRIVING home around 9:00 pm. Nasa backseat kaming mga babae at nasa passenger seat naman si Rum.

"Sandali lang. Dean, pakihinto 'yong sasakyan saglit," tawag ni Snow bigla kay Dean.

"Bakit?" naiinis na tanong balik ni Dean.

"Sa tingin ko, nakita ko si Prince Castroverde doon," ani Snow sabay turo sa pinakadulong bahay.

I squinted my eyes to search for any silhouette of that Prince pero wala akong nakita and then it hit me. Snow had sharp eyes that could see clearly even from afar.

"Iliko mo roon, Dean," utos ni Rum na maagap namang sinunod ni Dean.

Dean parked his Jeep Wrangler in a distance enough for us to hide. He turned off the engine. Hinarap naman kami ni Rum.

"I have a feeling that he knows where Daiana is. Kailangan natin siyang sundan, hanapin ang labi ni Daiana, at alamin ang totoo," si Rum.

"Dean and I will go," alok ko.

Kumunot ang noo ni Rum sabay sabing, "No."

I rolled my eyes exaggeratedly.

"Kailangan may maiwang lalaki rito, Rum. Paano kung makita nga ang bangkay? Sinong sasalo sa aming mga babae kung idadaan niyo siya roon sa pader na 'yon?" paliwanag ko sabay turo sa matayog na pader ng gate ng bahay na pinasukan ni Prince.

I know that we will do it secretly that's why I concluded that most probably we will climb that wall.

"She's right, Rum. Kailangan ding may maiwan sa dalawang 'to hanggang hindi pa natin alam kung anong klaseng nilalang ang mga kalaban natin lalo na't classified na beast si Daiana gayong mortal ang pamilya niya," Dean explained and I nodded repeatedly to show Rum that he really has a point.

Why Daiana Abrea, from a mortal family was classified as a beast, was still unknown to us.

Normal siyang estudyante at teenager noon pero ang kaluluwa niya ay hindi. Parang nagkapira-piraso ang mga bahagi ng katawan niya at binuong muli gamit ang body parts ng iba't ibang tao. I didn't know that could possibly happen.

Bumuntong-hininga si Rum, senyales ng pagpayag niya. Lumabas kaming lahat sa sasakyan at lumapit sa matayog na pader ng gate ng bahay ni Prince. Pumwesto si Dean sa tabi ng pader at bahagyang yumuko saka pinagsalikop ang kanyang mga palad.

"Akyat na, Tutti," he said.

Tumango ako at pinatong ang kanang paa ko sa mga nakasalikop niyang palad.

"I'll count one to three and you jump as I throw you to reach the top. Get it?" he added.

I nodded and prepared myself.

"One...two...three..."

I pumped before he released me into the air and I jumped to the top of the wall. Mabilis akong kumapit sa tuktok niyon at inangat ang sarili ko.

"Tutti, ayos ka lang?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Rum mula sa ibaba.

Nang makatungtong na ako sa itaas ay binalanse ko ang sarili ko bago tumayo nang maayos. I looked down, smiled, and gave him a thumbs up. He didn't smile back. Nag-aalala pa rin siya habang nakatingala sa akin.

Why do I enjoy seeing people looking up at me and me looking down at them? Maybe because I fall short of height. I laughed inwardly.

Dean positioned himself then jumped but he's more of like soaring up in the air to me. Napatingala ako nang lagpasan niya ako at sinundan ko rin ang pagbulusok niya sa lupa. Nang nakapasok na siya nang tuluyan ay sinenyasan niya akong tumalon na dahil sasaluhin niya ako. I jumped down from the wall away from where he was. He groaned in annoyance when I landed perfectly on both feet on his side. Napahagikhik ako.

"Kaya mo lang bumaba pero maliit ka pa rin kaya hindi mo kayang umakyat," pang-aasar balik sa ‘kin ni Dean at nauna nang maglakad.

I grimaced but just followed him still. Pumwesto kami sa labas ng bintana ng bahay ni Prince at pinapanood ang loob ng sala nila. It was quiet with just a set of television playing some random shows. Aso lang din ang nanonood no'n. Wala bang tao rito? Kung gano'n ay nasa'n na si Prince?

"Have you seen him?" I asked Dean.

Hinila ni Dean pababa ang ulo ko habang nagtatago pa rin kami sa labas ng bintana.

"Ano ba?! Wala na nga akong nakikita, oh!" reklamo kong tinawanan lang niya.

I groaned when he chuckled more. Iniinis niya ulit ako dahil sa liit ko! My eyes widened in surprise when I felt some ants inside my rubber shoes, biting my toes.

Merde!

"Hoy, kutong-lupa! Anong nangyayari sa'yo?" tanong ni Dean nang mapansin ang pilit kong pag-abot ng loob ng rubber shoes ko.

Nagsimula ko na ring maramdaman ang mga langgam sa buong katawan ko kaya nagkamot na ako sa likod, sa mga braso, at leeg ko.

"Shibal! Ang daming langgam!"

Sa kakakamot ko ay napalayo ako sa bintana at natumba sa Bermuda grass pero natigilan ako nang mapansin kong bumagsak ako sa parang isang patag na kahoy. Mabilis kong pinagpagan ang sarili ko at lumuhod saka inalis ang mga dahong naroroon sa pwestong binagsakan ko.

"Ano 'yan?" tanong ni Dean nang lumitaw ang malapad na parisukat na kahoy mula sa paghawi ko ng mga dahong nakatakip dito.

"Isa itong pinto papunta sa basement," I said.

Nagkatinginan kami ni Dean bago nagsitanguan. He helped me up bago niya binuksan ang pinto at naunang pumasok. Sumunod naman ako sa kanya. Kaagad na umapoy ang mga torch na nakasabit sa bawat pader pagpasok namin. What the bloody hell's happening?

Nang sumindi ang huling dalawang torch sa pinakadulo ay nanlaki ang mga mata namin ni Dean sa gulat. Lying atop the beautifully crafted bed perfectly fitted for her was Daiana Abrea's corpse with undecaying sewn body parts.

Sabay kaming napalingon ni Dean nang marinig namin ang pagpalakpak nang kung sinuman sa likuran namin. Pagharap ni Dean ay kaagad na hinampas siya nito ng baseball bat nang sobrang lakas dahilan nang pagkakabagsak niya sa sahig.

"Dean!" I shouted and went to his side.

"How do you like my creation?"

I lifted my eyes again on his spot and there stood Prince Castroverde still on his Biology uniform and with eyes completely dark in color.

"What did you do to her?" I asked.

"Let's say, Daiana was perfect for my experiment." He smiled evilly.

"You killed her," pang-aakusa ko.

"I'm a scientist. I do experiments but I don't do murders. Siya ang panay ang sunod sa akin. She will do everything just to be with me. She keeps on bugging me so I played along. Namatay siya nang gabing 'yon dahil sinundan niya ako, hinabol, I mean," aniya't natawa.

"I ended everything between us. Hindi niya matanggap kaya hinabol niya ako at nabangga siya ng gabing iyon. Takot na takot ang driver ng truck. I told him not to worry because she's my girlfriend with no other family but me and that I'll take care of her. Pumayag ang hunghang na driver at hinayaan ako sa katawan ni Daiana. When I found her, durog na durog ang katawan niya and I realized that she's the one I've been waiting for. Ang magbibigay katuparan sa pangarap ko. You see, she's so beautiful right now. Nahirapan pa akong bilhin ang mga bagong bahagi ng katawan niyang 'yan. Kulang na lang talaga ng isang bagay para magtagumpay ako."

"Ano bang balak mong gawin sa kanya?" tanong kong muli, getting some more information.

"Resurrection. Kulang na lang ng kaluluwa. Hindi ko mahanap ang sa kanya kaya gagawa ako ng paraan para makuha ko ang huling sangkap, and looks like I can have two souls tonight. Thank you for coming," nakangising sabi ni Prince.

He anticipated this will happen. Kaya pala ang dali lang naming nakapasok dito. May ginawa siyang kung ano sa katawan ni Daiana nang tangkain niyang i-resurrect ito kaya rin pala kahit tatlong buwan na ang nakakaraan ay hindi pa rin naaagnas ang bangkay nito. Some sort of demonic rituals perhaps.

Kaya pala naging beast siya...

His alibis and proofs when confronted of Daiana's disappearance were all lies. Hindi niya mahanap ang kaluluwa ni Daiana dahil nasa amin iyon at balak niyang buhayin ang bangkay na ito gamit ang kaluluwa ng iba, ang kaluluwa namin ni Dean.

"Anong klaseng nilalang ka?" I asked and he smirked.

"I am a demon," he proudly said.

I stared into his entirely black eyes.

Yumuko ako at natawa.

Black-eyed demons — low level

This will be easy.

Tumayo ako at nginisihan siya. Napalis ang ngisi sa mukha niya.

"What's funny?" he asked.

"You're a weakshit," I honestly retorted.

Palihim kong sinulyapan ang kamao niyang mahigpit na nakakuyom hawak-hawak pa rin ang bat.

So easily provoked.

I smirked and he quickly lunged towards me. I ducked and quickly moved to his back saka siya sinipa gamit ang kanang paa ko, both my hands relaxedly intertwined at the back.

Napasubsob siya sa lupa. Natawa ulit ako.

"Ang bagal..." pang-aasar ko.

He furiously pushed himself up, spun around, and lunged towards me once again. He attempted to hit me with his bat but I speedily stepped aside. He tried to hit me on the right so I stepped on the left and vice-versa. I was just chuckling the whole time, fueling more of his pent-up anger and frustration.

I saw on my peripherals that Dean stirred from his lying position. He's gaining consciousness. I have to be quick. I turned around and kicked the side of Prince's head. Bumagsak siya pero pilit pa ring tumatayo. I rolled my eyes.

"Quit fighting. Sumuko ka na. You've admitted it yourself, you do experiments but not murders and seems like you're not also good in combat," sabi ko.

Kaya puro bili lang lahat ng mga bahagi ng katawan ni Daiana. He's really weak but he's a mad scientist.

Tumutulo na ang itim at malapot niyang dugo sa noo pero tumayo pa rin siya't hinawakan nang mahigpit ang kanyang bat.

"Magtatagumpay ako sa experiment ko at hindi niyo siya makukuha sa akin," aniya.

Ambang susugurin niya ulit ako at hahampasin ng bat nang mabilis na humarang si Dean at pinigilan ang bat saka binali iyon sa dalawa gamit lamang ang isang kamay niya.

"Tagal mong magising. Ikaw na bahala sa kanya. 'Wag mo masyadong pahirapan," bilin ko kay Dean sabay tapik sa balikat niya saka siya nilagpasan.

Nilapitan ko ang bangkay ni Daiana at sinuri. Prince's screams ricocheted on the four walls of the basement. I didn't mind them. He deserves some beating to learn that experiments should not cost someone else's life and even soul.

Bilin sa amin ni Yorme na may special department daw ng pulisya na naka-assign para sa mga katulad ni Prince. They're a secret department offering services also only for beasts. Binuhat ni Dean ang bangkay ni Daiana. Nang malagpasan namin ang walang malay at duguang si Prince ay inis na binalingan ko si Dean. I told him not to be too hard on him. He's just a vincible madman after all.

When he noticed my reaction, he said, "Don't worry, he's still alive. Just with broken bones."

I immediately dialed Rum and told him we found the remains. He contacted Yorme also who said that the special police force will arrive in five minutes to capture Prince. Nauna na akong lumabas nang tawagin ako ni Dean.

"Tutti."

I stopped in my tracks but I didn't look back.

"Hmm..."

"Alam ba ni Rum 'to?" he asked, probably referring to the scene awhile ago.

I looked at him over my left shoulder and smirked.

"Sa tingin mo may impormasyong nakakalampas sa kanya?" I responded.

Hinarap ko siya and I said pointedly, "Anyway, practice focusing often. Kaya ka nahahampas nang wala sa oras."

Lumapit na ako sa may pader at hinintay siya. Ngumisi nang mapang-asar si Dean sa akin.

"Magpatangkad ka kasi para maabot mo," natatawa niyang wika.

Hindi ko na lang pinansin. I'll just stress myself. Binaba muna ni Dean ang bangkay ni Daiana sa tabi ng pader at pumwesto ulit nang gaya nang ginawa niya kanina. Pumatong ako sa mga palad niya at tumalon nang ihagis niya ako paakyat. I reached for the top and pushed myself up.

Mula sa taas ay natanaw ko si Rum na nakahilig sa nguso ng Jeep Wrangler. He was crossing his arms over his chest and he's tapping his left index finger on his right shoulder. Mukhang malalim ang iniisip.

Sinitsitan ko siya. Tumingala siya at nang mapansin ako ay mabilis niyang binuwag ang pagkakahalukipkip.

"Where's Dean?" tanong niya.

Before I could answer him, Dean landed on their side carrying Diana's body. I giggled when I heard Snow exclaimed, "Oh Diyos ko!"

She went near them followed by Queen. I jumped from the top and expected to land on the ground on both feet but I didn't. Nag-angat ako ng tingin kay Rum na sinalo pala ako.

"'Wag mo na ulit gagawin 'yon. If you're not scared for yourself of falling from heights then I am. Please be careful," he said.

Tumango ako kaya binaba na niya ako.

"Teka, saan natin ilalagay ang bangkay ni Daiana?" ang kawawang tanong ni Snow.

I WAS STIFLING my laughter the entire ride home because of Queen's and Snow's horrible faces and expressions.

Katabi namin ang bangkay ni Daiana na nakaupo rin sa backseat. I was resting my head on the corpse's right shoulder when I heard both Snow and Queen gasped in horror and surprise.

Queen was trying her very best to keep her three inches distance from the corpse. Si Snow naman ay panay ang pikit ng mga mata at mahinang dasal na sana ay makarating na kami sa Overlook at hindi na maipit ni Queen sa banda niya. Si Dean tumatawa rin tapos si Rum nangingiti.

"Girls, you should get use to it. We'll be working with corpses for the whole year. We'll be seeing lots of dead bodies and unusual souls," he reminded us.

I'm actually fine with it as long as I am earning and I am eating plenty of foods.

I smiled to myself.

This is better than robbing beasts.

•|• Illinoisdewriter •|•

A/N:

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