Episode 44: The Rebel Mermaid (Part 2)

•|• BEAST CHARMINGS •|•

Madame was staring at the huge card floating in front of her while sitting on her grandfather's chair. It was reflecting the photo of her beloved man.

"Madame, may bago po silang kliyente. Ano pong gusto niyong gawin namin?" Dolgam asked after entering the door and while bowing his head in respect.

She smirked.

"Don't make it easy for them. That's your job. Just don't forget the golden rule."

Dolgam nodded and stated her rule to show her that he perfectly remembers it. All of her subordinates actually.

"Do not hurt him. Masusunod po agad, Madame."

♦♣♥♠

"What the fuck is happening?" Ariella asked herself in disbelief as she stared at her tail.

Pagkatapos sumabog ng explosives sa dagat ay umalon ulit nang malakas sa pangalawang pagkakataon na siyang naging dahilan upang mahulog siya mula sa kanyang jetski at papunta sa tubig.

Subalit pag-ahon niya ay nagimbal siya nang maging buntot ng sirena na ang kanyang mga binti at paa.

Nilangoy niya ang dagat papunta sa dalampasigan at hinayaan ang jetski sa kung saan niya ito iniwan.

Pilit na ginapang ni Ariella ang buhangin sa dalampasigan makalapit lamang sa dalawang katulong nilang naroroon.

"Tulungan niyo ako!" sigaw niya sa tonong nag-uutos.

Nagitla ang mga katulong nang mapabaling sa kanya.

"Ano pang tinutunga-tunganga niyo d'yan?! Kilos!"

Nahimatay ang matandang katulong samantalang gulat parin ang isa habang dahan-dahang umaatras at maya-maya pa ay nagsisisigaw na sa takot.

"H-Halimaw... Halimaw! Tulong! May halimaw!"

Tumalikod ito at kumaripas ng takbo. Nadapa pa ito subalit nagkakandarapang nagpatuloy sa paglayo.

"Mga walang kwenta!" bulyaw ni Ariella.

"Shit. Totoo bang sirena ang nakikita ko, Eric?"

Napabaling agad ang dalaga sa direksyon ng dalawang mangingisdang papalaot pa sana. Hindi naman nagsalita ang binatang kasama nito at sa halip ay gulat lang na tumitig kay Ariella. Magkababata silang dalawa na sa tinagal ng panahon ay napalayo na ang loob sa isa't isa.

"Yayaman tayo dito!" nakangising hayag ng matandang mangingisda at nagsimula nang humakbang palapit kay Ariella.

Naalarma si Ariella dahil sa nababanaag niyang desperasyon at kasakiman sa itsura ng matanda kaya buong lakas niyang pinihit ang katawan at gumapang muli sa dagat.

Bago pa man siya makalayo ay nahablot ng matandang mangingisda ang buntot niya saka siya hinila nitong muli palapit sa dalampasigan.

"Let me fucking go! Ouch!"

"Yayaman na ako. Yayaman na ako," nababaliw na bulong ng matanda.

"Pakawalan mo ako! Ano ba?! Nasasaktan ak-"

Nabitawan ng matanda si Ariella kaya napalingon siya sa banda nito at doon niya nalamang nakabulagta na pala ito sa buhanginan at walang malay dahil pinalo ito ng pangsagwan ni Eric.

Nagkatinginan silang dalawa.

"What are you looking for? Pick me up and help me!"

Mabilis na binitawan ni Eric ang pangsagwan at nilapitan siya saka binuhat.

"Bakit may buntot ka?"

"Hindi ko alam, okay? Nagulat din ako nang pag-ahon ko ay bigla na lang naging buntot na ang mga legs ko."

"Saan kita dadalhin?"

"Sa bahay. Bilis!"

Buhat-buhat ni Eric si Ariella papunta sa pintuan ng bahay nila. Nahirapan pa siyang kumatok pero mabuti na lang at nairaos naman niya.

Di nagtagal ay nagbukas na ang pinto. Ang katulong na tumakbo sa takot ang nagbukas n'on. Pero sa halip na parehong ekspresyon ang ipakita nito ay nakangisi pa itong tila wala sa sarili. Her eyes were entirely black.

"Pasok kayo."

Natahimik ang dalawa. Ramdam nilang may mali at kakaiba sa ikinikilos nito. Nasilip din nila mula sa likuran nito ang ilan pang mga katulong at bodyguards na nakangisi rin at wala sa mga sarili nila.

"I'm scared. They looked creepy," bulong ni Ariella na maagap namang tinanguan ni Eric.

"Kumapit ka kasi tatakbo tayo," tugon din nito sa mahinang boses.

Binuksan ng katulong nang mas malawak ang pinto at inilahad ang looban gamit ang kamay.

"Kanina pa namin kayo hinihintay."

When a bodyguard quickly advanced forward, Eric moved aback and sprinted away from there. Ariella tightly held on his neck.

                 •|• SNOW •|•

NASA KWARTO KAMING tatlong mga babae. May inaasikaso pa kasi si Rum pero ang sabi niya ay pupuntahan daw namin si Ariella ngayon. Siya 'yong sinumpa ni Octavia dahil siya 'yong nagtapon ng bomba na dahilan nang pagkakakamatay nito.

We have to help her return to her mortal self. Manganganib daw kasi ang reincarnation ni Octavia kapag nagkataon dahil masama ang pagsumpa para sa kaluluwa ng isang nilalang na pumanaw na.

Nabihis si Queen ng white tube maxi dress with layered ruffle sa may bandang dibdib. Naka-half ponytail ang mahaba niyang tuwid na buhok. Naka-gladiator sandals din siya na brown. Si  Tutti naman nasuot ng burnt orange oversized shirt na may printang cute na baboy na umiinom ng tomato juice sa may lower part. Naka-tuck in iyon sa champagne niyang mom shorts saka black slip-ons. Nakatali naman pa-pigtail ang half top ng buhok niya samantalang low ponytail naman ang baba. It was tied using a white with blue tattersall pattern and burnt orange hemline bandana scrunchy.

I am wearing an off-shoulder top with printed pineapples which I tucked in my black high rise shorts. Pinaresan ko iyon ng white floral sneakers. Sinuklay ko muna ang buhok bago ko nilagay ang pulang headband na may maliit na bow sa gilid.

Nagha-hum si Tutti habang palapit sa may pale pink mini skincare fridge ni Queen. Kabibili lang niya n'on kaya hindi niya pa nalipat sa loob ang mga skincare items niya. Binuksan iyon ni Tutti saka ipinasok sa loob ang Monde Special Mamon Choco niya.

Napasinghap si Queen sa nasaksihan at tumayo.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

"Ref 'to di ba? Lagay ko muna rito snacks ko ha. Katamad kasi lumakad papuntang kusina," paliwanag ni Tutti.

Napapikit sa inis si Queen. Pagdilat niya ay tinaasan niya ng kilay si Tutti sabay halukipkip.

"Get it from there or I'll be the one to put you inside. Mukhang kasya ka pa naman d'yang nuno ka."

Napabusangot si Tutti at kinuha na lang ang mamon niya doon.

"Oo na! Oo na! Kukunin ko naman, hindi mo na kailangan insultuhin ang height ko. Ang attitude mo talaga, siz."

Napabungisngis na lang ako sa masungit na hayag ni Tutti. Para talaga siyang si Snowball sa The Secret Life of Pets. Sa tuwing naiinis o nagsusungit, hindi ko pa din magawang seryosuhin kasi ang cute masyado. Kapag ngumingiti naman na labas ang ngipin, ang sarap kagatin ng pisngi.

"This is not a mini fridge for snacks. This is for my skincare items that are in need to be stored in low temperature storage to be preserved."

Natango si Tutti at naupo na lang sa tabi ko saka binuksan ang mamon niya. Inalok niya pa ako pero nginitian ko lang siya at umiling. Alam kong gustong-gusto niya 'yon.

Nanood na lang kami ng Me Before You habang hinihintay pa din sina Rum. Maya-maya pa ay hininaan ni Queen ang aircon dahil umuulan sa labas kaya mas lalong lumamig.

Nang matapos ang pinapanood namin ay balak sana naming manood ng To All The Boys: P. S. I Still Love You sa Netflix nang biglang tumayo si Tutti at sumayaw sabay kanta habang naglalakad papunta sa pinto.

"Charap charap chap charap
Chap charap chap charap..."

"The nuno's really getting weird. What is she doing?" pabulong na tanong ni Queen sa akin.

"Beh, anong ginagawa mo?" tanong ko sa kaibigan habang nagpipigil ng hagikhik.

"I'm dancing my way back to the kitchen for another snack. It's recess time!"

Bumukas ang pinto at bumungad sa tapat niyon sina Rum at Dean. Si Dean nasuot ng black sleeveless na may markang Adidas sa gitna at champagne cargo shorts. Si Rum naman naka-maroon tee shirt na may maliit na white logo ng Nike sa may gilid ng dibdib at black track pants.

"Let's go?" tanong ni Rum sa amin.

Tumango kami at mabilis na hinablot namin ni Tutti ang mga rattan round sling bags namin. Queen gave us fourteen pieces of these, the both of us have seven each. Tutti had also painted them with different designs and colors during our free time.

Pinili ko iyong puting may pink daisies at yellow butterfly designs at pale pink ang sling strap. Kay Tutti naman ay iyong sky blue ang strap at bag na may desenyong sassy black woman with curly hair and shades.

Isinukbit naman ni Queen sa mga balikat ang brown mini backpack niya na may LV prints saka ipinatong niya din ang blush pink na moto jacket sa pagitan ng braso niya.

"Rum, doon ba tayo matutulog?" tanong ni Tutti habang pilit na ipinapasok sa loob ng bag niya ang baong mamon.

"Hindi. Uuwi tayo kapag gumabi na."

"Alamaak!" inis na sambit ni Tutti sabay sabunot sa buhok niya nang hindi talaga niya mapasok ang isa pang mamon sa loob ng bag.

"Why don't you just leave that?" suhestiyon ni Queen.

"Iiwan ko na lang 'yong wallet ko. Tubusin mo ako mamaya sa pagbabayad ha," ngiti ni Tutti kay Queen na labas ang ngipin.

Napahagikhik na lang ako at lumapit. Ganito siya kapag may kailangan, ngingitian ka nang may ngipin at naniningkit na mga mata.

"Seriously? You're going to leave your money instead of that food. You are so unbelievable."

Madramang napabuntong-hininga naman si Tutti bago sinabing, "The things I do for food."

"Beh, dine mo na lang ilagay," alok ko nang sa akin. Nairap si Queen.

"Give me your nuno food. My bag has bigger space. Just don't leave your wallet," aniya.

Napangiti naman ako habang pinapanood sila. Tuwang-tuwa si Tutti na ipinasok sa loob ng bag nang nakatalikod na si Queen ang pagkain niya.

"Kids, let's go," ngiti ni Rum sa amin. Mukhang kanina pa din siya nanonood.

Nauna nang lumabas ang dalawa nang mapatigil ako at nagpalinga-linga bago tinanong si Rum.

"Si Dean? Hindi ba siya sasama?"

"Hinatid niya muna si Hades kay Epinone."

"Ilang saglit lang akong nawala, namiss mo na ako agad," sabat bigla nang nakangising si Dean.

"Wowerz!" kantyaw ni Tutti na pababa na sana sa grand steps kasama si Queen.

Namula naman agad ang mga pisngi ko. Nangingiting napailing na lang si Rum at sinundan na ang dalawa pababa pagkatapos niyang ma-lock ang pinto.

"H-Halika na?" tanong ko sa kanya.

Napatingin ako sa kanya nang hawakan niya ang kamay ko. Nginitian niya ako.

"Pahawak sandali. Ang lamig kasi," palusot niya.

Kinagat ko ang labi upang pigilan ang ngiti. Sabay kaming naglakad pababa ng grand steps at palapit sa Jeepney Wrangler niya kung saan niya ako binitawan.

Pagpasok ko ay mapang-asar na naniningkit ang mga mata ni Tutti habang nakangisi sa akin.

"Anong feeling ng holding hands while walking, love birds?"

"H-Ha?" tanong ko, ramdam ang mas pamumula ng mga pisngi.

"Tiyanak, tumigil ka nga d'yan. Wag mong pinipressure si Snow. Mamahalin ko pa 'yan," saway naman ni Dean mula sa driver seat habang nagseseatbelt.

Humaglpak ng tawa sina Queen at Tutti.

"Boom! Mic drop," si Tutti habang umaaksyong may nabitawang kung ano.

"Iba talaga si Boy Banat. Paturo nga para kiligin naman si Rum sa akin," tawa niya pa. Rum chuckled also from the front seat.

Malapit lang ang Mabinay sa amin kaya hindi din inabot ng isang oras ang biyahe namin.

"Paano natin hahanapin si Ariella, Rum?" tanong ko nang mapagtanto iyon.

"Oo nga, tol. Hindi naman siguro tayo lalangoy no?" segunda ni Dean.

"Aaminin ko, hindi magiging madali ang paghahanap sa kanya. Lalo na at hindi tayo sigurado kung umuwi at pinatuloy ba siya sa kanila sa kabila ng pagbabago niya o kung natakot siya at nanatili sa dagat."

"Where do we start looking then?"

"Sa bahay nila tayo magsisimula, Queen. However, I assumed that it will be better if we will separate into two groups."

Tumango kami.

"Rum, pwedeng magsama naman kaming tatlo ng mga beh ko?" tanong ni Tutti na sinamaan naman ng tingin ni Queen.

"Sure. Looks like there will be an incoming feast here," puna ni Rum nang mapansin ang mga dekorasyon sa labas na nadadaanan namin.

Napabaling na din ako sa may labas. May mga makukulay na banderitas at may nakatayo na ding mga stall sa may peryahan katapat ng plaza. May nakalagay pang lettering sa may stage ng plaza na Palawod Festival.

"Anong ibig sabihin ng Palawod?" tanong ko sa kanila.

"Palawod is a Cebuano term which means 'to go out to the sea'. The place is very proud of their sea for the blessings they harvest everyday thus it also depicts the daily life of fishermen which is the number one livelihood source in here," paliwanag ni Tutti.

Napangiti ako at tumango-tango. Mas naiintindihan ko na 'to ngayon. Gaya ng Island Overlook ay coastal area din ang Mabinay.

"Saan tayo hihinto, Rum?" tanong ni Dean.

"Let's pull over someplace near here. Magtanong-tanong muna tayo tungkol kay Ariella at sa pamilya niya."

Tumango si Dean at hininto ang kotse sa may gilid ng plaza kung saan nakapark din ang ilan pang sasakyan.

Sinuot ni Queen ang moto jacket niya saka hinawi ang buhok niyang nakatago pagsuot niya n'on. Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapatitig sa kanya. Ang ganda niya talaga kahit simpleng bagay lang 'yong gawin niya. Pareho sila ni Rum na mga pinagpalang nilalang pagdating sa kagandahan. Isinukbit niya na din sa mga balikat ang mini backpack niya.

Naunang lumabas ng kotse si Rum saka binuksan ang pinto sa banda ni Tutti. Nagsunod-sunod naman kaming bumaba.

"Tol, dito na lang ako maghihintay. Sabihan mo ako kung aalis na tayo," ani Dean.

"Hindi ka sasama?" tanong kong ikinangiti naman niya.

"Magpapamiss muna ako sa'yo," kindat niya sa akin.

Kinagat ko na lang ang labi upang magpigil ng ngiti. Hindi ko na tuloy alam kung gaano ako kapula.

Paglapit namin sa may peryahan ay kaagad na nagbulong-bulungan ang mga dalagang namamasyal din ata doon.

"Bes, ang gwapo n'ong blonde oh."

"Oo nga, no? Artista ba 'yan? Shems, ang gwapo talaga."

"Lapitan kaya natin."

"Bes, mukhang may girlfriend na. Ang ganda pa n'ong kasabayan niyang maglakad, 'yong naka-pink na jacket. Ang ganda."

"Wait, kapatid niya ba 'yong maliit na nakasunod sa kanya?"

Napabaling naman ako sa banda ng mga kasama. Magkasabay na naglalakad sina Rum at Queen samantalang nakabuntot naman si Tutti sa nauna.

"Kapareho niya kasi ng kulay ng hair."

"Oo nga pero bakit singkit at ang liit?" hirit ng isa sabay tawa.

Napahagikhik ako nang mahina nang paningkitan ni Tutti ng mga mata ang mga dalagang nagtatawanan. Kumapit siya sa may laylayan ng damit ni Rum sa likuran kaya napalingon ang huli sa kanya.

"Yes, doll?"

"Gaano ako kaliit?"

Rum and I chuckled. He reached for her hand that was clutching his shirt and pulled her beside him then he intertwined their fingers.

"More than enough to fill the spaces in my heart."

"Ew," irap ni Queen pero nangisi din.

Natawa na lang si Rum nang kurutin siya sa tagiliran ni Tutti. Napasinghap ang mga babae sa nakita at natantong ang maliit na babae ay nobya pala ng gwapong hinahangaan nila.

Nagtanong-tanong kami kung kani-kanino tungkol kay Ariella. May nakapagbigay na sa amin ng address kaya napagdesisyunan naming bumalik sa parking lot.

Naabutan namin si Dean na kinakausap ng isang magandang babae habang nakasandal sa Jeepney Wrangler at halukipkip.

"Alam mo ba ang psychological indication ng crossed arms, beh?" tanong ni Tutti sa akin.

"Hindi, e," iling ko.

"It's part of your body language that psychologically suggests that you're not open to conversation. Kaya kung may nakaaway ka at nakahalukipkip siya habang humihingi ng tawad sa'yo ay hindi sincere 'yon at kahit ang loob-loob niya ay hindi rin tanggap 'yon. The same goes here. Dean's apparently not interested with the woman," ngiti niya sa akin.

Napangiti naman ako at tango. Alam ko. Ilang beses nang napatunayan ni Dean sa akin ang nararamdaman niya.

Nang mapabaling si Dean sa amin ay kaagad na dumapo ang mga mata niya sa akin. Nabuwag ang pangkakahalukipkip niya at umayos ng tayo.

"My girlfriend's here. I don't want her to think we're close. Bye," aniyang hindi man lang tinitingnan ang babae.

Hinawakan ni Dean ang braso ko at iginiya ako papasok ng backseat na siya mismo ang nagbukas.

Pagpasok naming lahat sa loob ay ipinaliwanag na ni Rum ang kanyang plano.

"Girls, will you the three of you be really okay alone?"

"Makakaasa ka, Mumma Rum," paninigurado ni Tutti.

"We have to separate into two. Dean and I will go to this address. We'll check her there and try to interview her parents whilst the three of you will go search around the shore. Baka kasi nagtatago siya sa takot ngayon. Am I being clear, Charmings?"

Natango kami at sabay-sabay na sumagot.

"Yes, Mumma Rum!"

"Yes."

"Oo, Rum."

                 •|• QUEEN •|•

THE GIRLS AND I strolled around the shore in search for Ariella.

Yesterday, we had a word with Octavia. She said this Ariella girl was a reckless attention-seeker slash murderer who threw explosives at the sea because her twisted psychotic mind considered it as her own version of entertainment.

The Chinese nuno even fueled my built up dislike towards this girl when she disclosed that this was the daughter of the owner of that zoo where she protested along with the LAPACE for animal cruelty.

She enumerated how this Ariella girl intentionally broke a parrot's leg, stabbed a baby elephant blind, and skinned a tiger she sedated herself.

How goddamn rotten this girl is.

Kinulang ba 'to sa aruga ng mga magulang?

But, is it really right to blame the parents for her immoral acts sa mga poor animals?

"Sandali lang."

We stopped from walking because Snow initially halted her steps in front of us.

"Bakit, beh?"

"May picture kayo ni Ariella?"

I took my phone out with its new sleek mirror case na may Dior word pa sa center. I like it so much 'cause it's screaming that I'm so sassy and classy.

"Here, oh." I showed them the photo.

"Sa tingin ko, nakita ko na siya. Let's go," she said and started jogging her way forward. We tailed her immediately.

"S-Sandali lang!" tawag niya sa lalaking tulak-tulak ang wheelchair ng isang babae.

Bumagal ang takbo niya at ganoon din kami ni nuno hanggang sa naglakad na lang kami. The guy and the woman on the wheelchair turned their heads to us.

I was shocked. We were shocked. It was Ariella. And who is this guy she's with?

"Bakit po, miss? May problema ba?" tanong ng lalaki.

Ariella's eyes widened in surprise when it landed on me.

"Quinnellssey Marquesa? Is that you?" she asked, making my brows furrowed in confusion.

"Ah, yeah."

"Oh my gosh. I'm a fan! You know, you're so famous for rejecting the modelling offers of many magazines, expensive brands, and fashion shows before! Gosh! How I love to star in all of 'em!" pahisterikal niyang hayag.

She was actually right. A lot of magazines, expensive brands, and fashion shows here and mostly abroad offered me to star in 'em but I rejected them all. Even my beloved Chanel brand.

In fact, I was so into high-end fashions that my secret dream was to really become a fashion designer. Now that UP's also offering a program in BA Fashion Design and Marketing just recently, I am so tempted to cross enroll.

"Honey, I am a queen in case if you don't know. I don't pose nor model for 'em because I buy and watch 'em while I'm sitting on my golden throne to make my time less boring," I told her. She just stared at me in awe.

Gosh, how I love the subtle jealousy in her eyes.

"Ariella Natividad, di ba?" pag-agaw ni Snow sa atensyon niya.

"Yes, the one and only. Why are you looking for me anyway? Are you one of my jealous fans?" mayabang niyang sabi, trying to sound like me.

My brow shot up. So kapal naman her fucking face to call Snow that way and to try imitating me. Well, she failed big time.

"Basher pa kamo," singit naman ni nuno.

Ariella looked at her incredulously. Nagsalita pa kasi. I bet this girl will be shocked to know that we have brought with us our lucky dwarf.

"Who are you too? Kinakausap ba kita, bata? Bakit ka sumasabat?" mataray niyang banat kay Tutti na nanggalaiti naman agad.

Napahalakhak na lang ako sa itsura ni pandak. She just called the nuno bata.

"Ay, very wrong. Mas matanda pa ako sa'yo, oy," giit ni Tutti.

"Hey, stop that. We have no time for introductions. We're here because we knew you have tails for legs. You were cursed, Ariella," I told her immediately, referring to her legs covered with kumot. Kapagod pahabain ang usapan.

Nag-init bigla ang ulo ko nang tumawa siya, halatang hindi naniniwala.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me. Me? Cursed? Oh, come on, that's too primitive."

"Totoo ang sinasabi niya. Iyong pagtapon mo ng mga bomba sa dagat, may natamaang sirena n'on na naging dahilan nang pagpanaw niya. Sa galit niya sa ginawa mo ay sinumpa ka niya," Snow insisted.

"Nagtapon ka ng bomba sa dagat?" gulat na baling ng binata sa kasamang umirap naman.

"Ano bang natira niyo, ha? Bakit ang huhunghang niyo?"

"If we're hunghangs, ano ka na lang kaya? Tanga and walang kwenta?" I mocked. Sumama ang timpla ng mukha niya.

Pumagitna naman si Tutti sa aming dalawa. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"Chill, Queen. Huwag mo naman siyang tarayan. Wala naman siyang ginagawang tama," the nuno pushed more on the mockery, I just smirked at the scowling face of Ariella.

We're not allowed to disclose our secret funeral service for beast to mortals so we have to come up with an idea. Rum reminded us this and even rehearsed it with us.

"Ang tiyuhin namin ay isang magaling na manghuhula at medium. Nakita niya ang nangyari sa'yo sa vision niya kaya pinapunta niya kami dine para tulungan ka dahil nanganganib ang buhay mo. Sa kabilugan ng buwan, kung hindi mo pa natututunan ang leksyon mo ay mananatili ka nang ganyan panghabambuhay," Snow explained.

Octavia said that the only way to remove the curse is when she finally learned and asked forgiveness for what she did wrong.

"What lesson?"

"Kailangan mong maunawaan ang kamalian mo, pagsisihan iyon at humingi ng tawad," si Snow na masipag at buong pasensyang nagpapaliwanag.

"That's so easy. Fine, I'm sorry."

"Parang tanga 'to. Insincerity makes your apologies fake. Anong akala mo sa nagsumpa sa'yo, walang feeling gaya mo? Tumatanggap na lang ng pinekeng paumanhin tapos quits na kayo?" giit ni Tutti.

"Whatever."

"Attitude ka, siz?"

"Beh, tama na 'yan. Nasa kanya na kung maniniwala siya. Siguro sapat naman ang ebidensyang biglang na lang siyang nagkaroon ng buntot," said Snow.

My phone rang. It was Rum calling. I immediately swiped it to answer him.

"Rum?"

"Queen, listen. We won't be there quickly. Something strange came up here. Ang mga tao rito ay wala sa mga sarili nila. Completely black eyes and apparently not in their minds. Hula ko, may nag-hypnotize sa kanila. I will try to bring them all back to normal. Huwag niyo munang iiwanan si Ariella. Samahan niyo siya."

"Okay, Rum. I've noted everything. Don't worry, we'll stay here."

I heard him sigh on the other line.

"Thank you. Mag-iingat kayo. Pupuntahan ko agad kayo r'yan kapag naayos ko na rito."

And with that, he ended the call.

My brows furrowed at the text from an unregistered number. I clicked it open.

Hi, babe.

I rolled my eyes heavenwards. I knew exactly who this man is. It's Alas.

I quickly typed a reply.

Where did you get my number?

Secret haha.

K. Bye.

Ang sungit naman. I got it from your friend.

The Chinese nuno?

Hahaha no. From Dean. I told him I'll be returning your shoe. He said I should just give it to him because he'll be the one to hand it to you. I insisted. I told him I want to apologize to you personally.

You're really going to do that? Apologize?

Well, I want to apologize for 10% out of 100.

Then where does the 90% goes?

I just want to see you for 90%
Let's date? 😳

Your emoji's giving me creeps, stroNzO.

Let's date? 😳😳

You're anNOying!

Did you know that wearing makeup has its roots in dating during the 1900s?

Oh, fuck off, you history dork!

Hahaha you're really something, babe.

Napairap na lang ako at itinago na ang cellphone ko. Alas is so walang kwentang kausap.

It was getting dark but we still couldn't go home. I told them about Rum and they agreed that we should stay on lookout for the brat.

Eric was kind enough to understand the situation. He let us inside his humble and simple kubo. He has no electricity so we settled for a gasoline-fueled lamp.

Siya na rin ang naghanda ng makakain namin. We have rice and tuyo and their kind of spicy suka which I really love.

Nasa palibot kami ng rectangular na kahoy na lamesa at rectangular wooden chair. Nakaangat ang paa at tuhod ni nuno habang maganang kumakain. Lahat kami ay nagkakamay habang kumakain maliban kay Ariella na para bang diring-diri sa nasasaksihan niya.

"Yucks... You're seriously eating this trash, Queen?" she asked.

I caught Eric stiffened at her words, looking hurt at the simple life he could offer her.

My brow shot up while looking at her.

"I'm not as rotten as you. Go eat or just be dead."

Umirap lang siya at nagpahalukipkip. Napabuntong-hininga si Eric at hinimay ang laman ng tuyo ni Ariella. Saka pa nagsimulang kumain ang gaga. Magpapahimay lang pala. Good thing's Eric is her good kababata.

"Eric, saan mo nakuha 'yong wheelchair na ginagamit ni Ariella?" Snow asked smilingly.

"Sa lola ko 'yan noon. Naisip kong mas hindi siya mukhang kahina-hinala kung ganyan ang ayos niya."

"Are you still studying?" I asked him.

He smiled sadly at me.

"Nakapasa ako bilang half scholar sa UP kaso hindi parin talaga kaya ni tatay kaya pagkatapos ko sa hayskul ay nangisda na lang ako para makatulong sa kapatid kong babae. Siya 'yong pinag-aaral ko ngayon bilang titser sa siyudad."

"Ano bang gusto mong maging kung nag-aaral ka ngayon?" si Snow ulit.

"Gusto ko sanang maging veterinarian."

"Vet? Why vet?" I asked him this time, striking a conversation. The nuno's too busy with her food that's why she's silent.

"Napansin ko kasing marami ng mga nagliligtas ng buhay ng tao. Naisip ko 'yong mga hayop. Iilan lang ang gumagamot sa kanila. Gusto kong gamitin 'yong kaalaman at kakayahan saka matinding kagustuhan kong iligtas din sila. Wala naman kasi sa laki o liit nasusukat ang kahalagahan ng buhay ng isang nilalang. Lahat ay nilikha ng Diyos kaya lahat ay may halaga. Pare-pareho lang naman kasi tayong lahat ng gusto, ang mabuhay nang mapayapa at malayo sa panganib."

It was with no doubt that this boy has a golden heart not just for humans but for animals as well.

I looked at Ariella. She was silent while staring at her food.

"Bakit gan'on? Wala namang binabato pero may natamaan. Sino kaya 'yon?" pang-aasar ni Tutti sabay hagikhik at patuloy na sa pagkain.

Ariella glared at her. She just shrugged her shoulders and stuffed her mouth with a handful of food. She knew that thoughtful remark of Eric hit a nerve inside her who had been cruel to animals.

I turned to Eric again.

"Decide on which university you want to attend next school year. Give me your number also so that I can contact you. My dad will take care of your tuition fee until you graduate," I told him.

Namilog ang mga mata niya sa gulat. Maging si Ariella ay ganoon din. Ngumisi si Tutti na puno pa ang bibig ng pagkain samantalang ngumiti naman si Snow.

"H-Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko. Gustong-gusto kong mag-aral para magkaroon ng magandang buhay at matupad ang kagustuhan kong makatulong sa mga hayop... Kaya... Kaya maraming salamat po..." he thanked me, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

I smiled at him.

"Just do good in your studies. You deserved it."

"Eric! Eric, lumabas ka d'yan! Ibigay mo sa amin ang sirena!"

We all stood in alert when someone shouted from the outside while forcibly pounding the wall of Eric's kubo.

"Si Mang Inggo 'yon. Pareho naming nakita si Ariella kanina sa may dalampasigan. Pero naitakas ko siya. Ayos lang ba sa inyo kung ilayo niyo muna siya rito? Sa likod na kayo dumaan. Hahanapin ko kayo agad kapag nakaalis na si Mang Inggo," sabi ni Eric sa amin.

Snow and I nodded. We washed our hands and she pushed Ariella's wheelchair going to the backdoor.

I groaned and slapped my forehead when I caught Tutti still on her seat, eating. I marched towards her.

"Let's go!"

"Oy, kumakain pa ako."

I dragged her up. She stood up and washed her hands on the tabo beside her then we walked towards Snow.

Sabay-sabay kaming lumabas. We were shocked when we were greeted by a voluminous amount of black smoke at the exit.

Napahawak si Snow sa leeg niya. Ganoon din si Ariella. I coughed and tried to ignore the lump forming in my throat.

What the fuck is this?

Nawalan ng malay si Ariella. Natumba naman si Snow sa lupa. I tried to reach for her but my consciousness was also slipping away.

Bago ako matumba ay nahawakan ni Tutti ang kamay ko. Sa nanlalabong mga mata ay nakita kong pilit niyang tinatakpan ang ilong niya para hindi masinghot ang usok pero may kung sinong humampas sa ulo niya mula sa likuran dahilan nang sabay naming pagkakatumba sa lupa.

•|• BEAST CHARMINGS •|•

Clover closed her palm to stop her black smoke from emitting. Joker was the one responsible for hitting Tutti on the back of her head. She walked her way towards the unconscious Snow and smirked.

"Wala ka pala, e," she spat as she kicked her on the arm, bruising her.

"Clover, tama na 'yan," Heart commanded her.

Joker carried Ariella off her wheelchair.

"Where's the others? Shouldn't they be here? Where's Alas, anyway?" asked Clover.

"He went at the Natividad Residence earlier to hypnotize the people there. Technically, this job's for us now," explained Heart.

"Tsk. Where do we take that bitch then?" Clover asked, referring to the unconscious Ariella.

♦♣♥♠

Ariella closed her eyes again to adjust them to the lights around her.

"Gising na siya!"

She opened her eyes again and was surprised to see a lot of people surrounding her while she's inside an inflatable pool.

"Hala! Totoo nga!"

"Oh my God! This is amazing!"

"Kumuha ka ng picture, dali! Post natin sa peysbuk para maging peymous tayo!"

She looked around. Shock, smirk, marvel, and even fear registered in the faces of the spectators before her.

She ran her gaze down her entirety. She was wearing a seashell bra with a seashell headpiece as well.

"Who the fuck changed me?!" she screamed furiously.

A lanky man emerged from beside her and smirked.

"Ako," he maliciously licked his lips and winked at her.

Nangilabot at nandiri naman agad si Ariella. Alam niyang hindi lang basta-bastang bihis ang ginawa nito sa kanya. Ramdam niyang may kasama pang haplos at himas.

"Wow, totoo ngang may sirena!"

"Look! Look! There's a mermaid!"

"Welcome to my YouTube channel! Today, we have a very interesting vi-"

"Stop it! Fucking stop it!" Ariella shouted at the top of her lungs, sending everyone into silence.

"Hala, nag-Iingles 'yong sirena!" sigaw ng isa sa mga nanonood.

Sa galit ni Ariella ay sinabuyan niya ito ng tubig.

"Get me out of here! Fucking get me out of here!" pagwawala niya.

Napatigil lamang siya nang may kung anong tumama sa noo niya. Kinapa niya iyon nang makaramdam siya nang mahapdi roon. Nanginig ang palad niya nang ibaba niya at nasaksihan ang pagdurugo n'on.

"Natatandaan kitang putangina ka! Ikaw 'yong nagbalat n'ong tigre sa zoo na pinagtatrabahuan ko!" sigaw ng lalaking lango sa alak. Ito rin ang nagtapon ng basag na bote ng alak sa kanya.

"Anak mayaman ang putangina kaya idiniin sa akin ang kasalanan! Pwe!" habol nito.

Napatingin si Ariella sa kanya.

"Alam mo bang hindi lang hanapbuhay ang nawala sa akin?! Pati dignidad ko at ang masaklap pa r'on, pati ang pamilya ko! Nakulong ako at tingin ng asawa at anak ko na kriminal ako kaya iniwan nila ako. Putangina! Wala naman akong ginagawang masama!" humahagulgol na wika niya.

"Bakit kailangan kong magbayad sa kasalanan mong putangina ka?! Sirang-sira na ang buhay ko dahil sa'yo!" umiiyak niya pang duro rito.

Nanginig ang labi ni Ariella. She just wanted to have fun but it never occurred to her that she was actually making someone else's life miserable.

"Ipasok 'yan sa loob!" sigaw ng lalaking  may-ari ng isang circus.

Hinatak ng mga kasamahan niya ang pool na pinaglalagyan ng dalaga. Nang nasa loob na sila ng big top o circus tent ay hinatak naman ng may-ari sa buhok si Ariella paalis mula sa inflatable pool. Napahawak siya sa buhok niya.

"Tama na! Please, tama na!" she begged while crying.

"Putangina! Wala kang kwenta! Ang katulad mo dapat pinaparusahan!"

Pinadapa niya ang umiiyak na si Ariella at tinaas ang mga kamay saka tinali sa may haligi ang mga iyon gamit ang lubid.

The owner unbuckled his belt and whipped her back forcefully.
Bawat hagupit ng sinturon nito ay siyang hiyaw din ni Ariella sa sakit at pagmamakaawang ihinto na ito.

                 •|• QUEEN •|•

I SLOWLY BATTED my eyes open only to see the Charmings and Eric gathered around me.

Napabuntong-hininga si Rum nang makitang gising na ako. Bumangon ako at umupo sa kawayang kama ni Eric.

"What happened?" I asked as I looked around.

"Naabutan namin kayong tatlo na walang malay sa likod bahay," ani Rum, nag-aalala.

I held my throbbing head.

What the fuck just really happened?

"We were covered by black smoke that's making us slowly unconscious and then Tutti held my hand even before I could passed out but someone hit her from the back," I narrated.

"Where is she, by the way?" I asked, worried.

Rum stepped aside to give me a glimpse of the Chinese nuno who's eating at the table. She smiled at me with puffed cheeks because her mouth was full then she waved at me.

Nakahinga naman ako nang maluwag.

"Si Snow at si Ariella?" I asked.

"Bakit may pasa si Snow sa braso, Queen?" seryosong tanong ni Dean.

"She has? Let me see."

"Ito, oh!" Hinaklit ni Dean ang braso ni Snow at ipinakita sa akin ang pasa roon.

"What happened?" I asked her.

Marahang inagaw ni Snow ang braso mula kay Dean.

"Baka dahil sa pagkakatumba ko kanina."

"Putangina! Natumba rin naman sina Queen at ang tiyanak pero wala silang ganyang pasa! Sigurado akong may sumuntok at sumipa sa iyo. Huwag lang talagang magpapakita sa akin 'yon at babaliin ko lahat ng mga buto niya!" Dean lashed out.

Rum gently held Snow's arm and examined it.

"This must have been inflicted when you were unconscious kaya hindi mo matandaan."

"Ayos lang ako, guys. Ang kailangan nating alahanin ngayon ay si Ariella. We need to find her."

"Where is she?" I asked.

"Wala na siya nang matagpuan ko kayo. Nagmamakaawa ako, hanapin natin siya. Hindi naman talaga masama si Ariella noong mga bata pa kami kaya lang nang mapa-barkada siya sa siyudad ay nag-iba na siya," malungkot na hayag ni Eric.

Tumango kami at nagplano na. We will be divided into two groups again. One will search in the shore while the other in the carnival where a siren was allegedly spotted in one of the circus stalls.

Ang pupunta sa dalampasigan ay siyang sasalubong din kay Reyna Neptunia. She will be waiting for Ariella there, hoping the latter would finally apologized.

Tutti, Rum, and I will go to the carnival. Kaagad naming nilapitan ang lalaking tingting na nagbabantay sa tinurong stall ng tinanong namin kanina. Tahimik na ito at sarado.

"Magandang gabi po. May nakapagsabi sa aming may sirena raw po rito. Totoo po ba?" magalang na tanong ni Rum.

"Oo, pero hindi na muna siya lalabas. Kinailangan pang turuan ng leksyon ni boss para sumunod," ngisi niya.

My brows furrowed. What does he mean?

"Pwede po ba namin siyang makita? Gustong-gusto lang po talaga naming patunayang totoo ngang may mga kakaibang nilalang sa mundo na gaya niya," si Rum ulit.

"Naku, hijo, hindi pwede. Bawal."

He looked around and leaned forward to whisper.

"Pero mukhang yayamanin ka naman. Nadadala naman ako sa usapang pera."

I rolled my eyes heavenwards. This tingting gold digger!

I removed the straps of my Louis Vuitton mini backpack off my shoulders and slammed it on his table then opened it to get a handful of cold cash to slap it to him.

I lifted my eyes when I heard a gun being cocked.

"Magkano bang gusto niyo, manong?" Tutti asked while she held him at gunpoint.

Natakasan ng kulay ang mukha ni manong tingting.

"Tutti, ibaba mo 'yan. Baka may makakita sa'yo," kalmadong saad ni Rum sabay harang kay Tutti sa paningin ng mga nasa malapit.

"I'm just giving him a taste of his own medicine, mum." She lifted a corner of her lips up for what I thought at first was a smirk.

Napasimangot ako nang um-awra lang pala ang nuno.

"Mister, we'll make it easier for you. Lead us to the mermaid or just die here on this very spot."

Rum shook his head at my threat, sinusulsulan ang kahibangan ng nuno.

"O-Oo na. Sumunod kayo."

He guided us to inside a dimly lit tent. Nahabag ako when I saw Ariella's hands being tied on a wooden pole and her back full of bruises and cuts.

"What did you do to her?" gulat na tanong ni Rum.

Tutti jabbed manong tingting on his jaw using the stock of her shotgun, causing him to fall unconscious on the ground.

Mabilis na lumapit si Rum kay Ariella upang kalagan ito. We followed him. He checked his pulse.

"We need to get her to the water," he stated.

I nodded and tore a piece of clothing that was hanging nearby to cover her. Rum then carried her. We passed through the door at the back and sprinted our way to the shore.

Nasalubong namin sina Dean, Snow, and Eric doon. Queen Neptunia and two other mermen were there too.

Rum immediately get Ariella to the water. Queen Neptunia advanced near them and held her by the forehead. A bluish light was emitted from her palm and Ariella slowly opened her eyes seconds later.

"S-Sino ka?" she asked the queen of mermaids who smiled sadly at her.

"Ako si Reyna Neptunia. Reyna ng mga sirena at ina ni Octavia."

"N-Napatay ko ba talaga ang anak niyo?" Ariella asked with eyes brimming with tears.

Queen Neptunia nodded slowly. Ariella held her hand tightly and cried on it.

"I am so sorry. Patawarin niyo po ako sa kasalanan ko. I didn't realize I was already ruining someone else's life and had even been the reason for another one's death. Napakasama ko po. Nagkamali po ako. I will promise, I will not harm any animals and I will respect every place for there is a life in there. I will make my life better this time. Sana patawarin niyo po ako. I am so sorry."

The queen smiled thoughtfully and gently caressed the mortal's hair.

"Natutunan mo na ang lahat. Alam mo nang pagsisihan ang iyong mga kamalian, magpakumbaba at humingi ng tawad. At lalong-lalo na sa lahat, nauunawaan mo na ang halaga ng bawat buhay. Tandaan mong ang buhay, mapa-tao man, hayop, o iba pang mga kakaibang nilalang, lahat ay may kabuluhan," she told her.

It's true, whatever you are, as long as you're breathing and living, you matter.

"All lives matter! Amen!" Tutti shouted, still holding dearly to her advocacy.

The other Charmings smiled and I felt myself smiled too.

WEARING OUR BLACK with white sleeves beaded organza dress and white stilettos, we readied for Octavia's burial ceremony.

The boys were wearing a white dress shirt with its first two buttons unbuttoned and was tucked in their slacks paired with black Tictac shoes.

Queen Neptunia chose to have her daughter's remains cremated. She said that from the sea, their kind will return to the sea where they belong. The porcelain jar containing them was already on her hold.

She faced the sea from atop the Island Overlook garden cemetery and threw a handful of the remains to the sea.

Ariella tried to make her mistakes right. She asked her parents to clean the name of their former employee who had been pointed as the one who skinned the tiger in their zoo. They also gave him what was due to him for the damage they had caused. She even helped him reconnect and reconcile with his family. She also made a public apology and had promised to be accountable for everything.

Her family had also given the zoo to someone trustworthy and more passionate in taking care of the animals. Eric, on the other hand, decided to work part-time there and had chosen UP to study for veterinary next school year which my dad will take care of.

Things turned out well, I guess. However, the black smoke still bothers me until now. Pati na rin si Rum. I know he was also bothered by the people behind the hypnotism at the Natividad Residence.

Who really are they?

And what are they up to?

•|• illinoisdewriter •|•

A/N:

This service tackled animal cruelty and it was in response to the controversial death of the pregnant elephant made popular by social media. This is also to show my support to the campaign 'All Lives Matter'.

It was really disheartening. I hope that as we journey through this year, we learn to value lives even more. It doesn't matter whether you're black, white, Arab, African or an Asian, we and even animals all deserve to live in peace and safety.

Anyways, this past few days napag-isipan kong dapat may tawag na ako sa inyo na gagamitin ko consistently.

Can I call you my Charmings? 😄✨ 'Cause you've been my lucky charms and you're one of the beautiful things that's ever happened to me. 💞 And I am your fairy godmother making your wishes come true by saying the magic words bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! 🌌

Know that you're putting a smile on my face by hitting the star button and sharing your thoughts. Love you, Charmings! 💚