Episode 51: Louis Vuitton

                 •|• QUEEN •|•

AFTER MY CLASS in Visual Techniques, I started gathering my things to clean my desk. Luckily, we have our own built-in lockers in our desk here in our lab that's why I don't have to always bring my art materials. This is why I so love UP.

"Queen, right?"

I put my pentel mechanical pencil inside its pouch, I turned to my female classmate who asked me. I remember her. She's also a cross-enrollee from BS Tourism Management.

"Yes."

"We'll be having a party later tonight at Lifestyle District. Maybe you would like to come. I've never really seen you out on parties. I thought, maybe because no one's actually inviting you."

I raised one delicate brow at that.

"I-I mean most people are intimidated with your looks and status that's why... you know..." she trailed off.

I pulled out the pencil that's holding my hair up on a bun and let my locks cascaded.

"Not really a party girl, just a bad bitch," I smiled at her and picked up my sketchpad then slung my pink Louis Vuitton quilted flap bag on my shoulder.

My steps halted when my phone rang inside my bag. I took out my champagne colored LV cased phone and answered my Mommy Serena's call.

"Hello, amore," she greeted me with her Italian endearment.

"Hi, mom. Why did you call? Do you need anything?"

"Nothing, amore. It's just that I am missing you already. You know, your Ate Anna's not here anymore and our home's getting lonelier each day."

I smiled sadly at that. I'm longing too.

"I miss you too, mom."

"You sure you'll not be spending the Christmas with us?"

"I want to but I want to be with my second family too. I just want to celebrate the event with them this year and for the first time. However, if you insist that I'll come home then I guess I'll just go..."

"No, amore. Dr. Portofino asked permission from us for that respectfully so it's okay. We'll be spending the Christmas and New Year's eve with your Ate Anna."

So they'll be going to celebrate it in the prison?

"Mom, I promise, I will visit Ate Anna the day after Christmas and New Year as well."

"It's okay, amore. How's your heart?" she teased, I rolled my eyes.

"Mom, I told you I'm already fine. I'm happy for Rum and Tutti, really."

"I'm so proud of you, amore. You have let go and that's a different kind of love you have for Charmings. However, I think it's about time you date someone."

"What? Mom!"

She giggled on the other line.

"Amore, calm down. You're already twenty and I'm sure a lot of men are always around you. It's time to pick the right guy."

"Mom, stop it, okay?"

She giggled again like a little girl.

"Okay, amore. You take care, okay? Send my regards to the Charmings."

After ending the call, I walked my way out of the Channon Hall. I slowed down when I crossed paths with Dan who stopped and smiled at me in return.

"Lalabas ka na?" he asked.

"Yes, what are you doing here?"

"Kahahatid ko lang sa nililigawan ko..." he trailed off and looked at me.

I smirked teasingly at him. I'm happy somehow.

"I'm happy to hear that."

"Lalabas ka na? Ayos lang ba kung sabayan kita?"

"Won't your nililigawan going to hate me for that?"

He chuckled at that and said, "Hindi naman siya selosa. Mabait siya."

He looks fond of her. I'm happy that he doesn't dwell on his heartache just like me when I found out about Rum and Tutti. I'm happy for them, really.

Paglabas namin ng hall ay kaagad na bumungad sa amin ang naniningkit ang mga matang si Lex habang nanonood sa amin.

"Seriously, Queen? You traded someone like me to some totoys," he started, I felt my brows furrowed.

I laughed humorlessly when I realized what he had said.

"Why do you sound like we had a thing? I hate every bit of you with passion, Lex. Dream on."

He clenched his jaw in annoyance and in control of his anger.

I stilled when I felt a palm rested on my stomach, hugging me with an arm from behind. When I looked to my side to see who that mapangahas was, Alas pecked on my cheek.

"Is there something wrong, babe?"

Both Dan and Lex looked shocked at the scene.

Napapikit ako sa inis at kaagad na tinabig ang kamay siya saka tumalikod at naglakad palayo sa kanila.

Kailangan niya talagang gawin 'yon?!

Ayokong ginagan'on ako!

He called me repeatedly with his 'babe' then I heard him say my name at the end before I can hear him no more. Nagpatuloy lang ako sa pagmamartsa nang marinig ko ang tunog ng Ducati niya.

I ceased walking when he parked his motorbike in front of me. He was not wearing his helmet this time when he descended from it.

"What's wrong? Bakit bigla ka na lang uma-"

Binato ko sa kanya ang sketchbook ko sa panggagalaiti ko.

No man ever dared touch me like that in front of people like I'm some sort of trophy he was boasting to his colleagues after an intense race.

Bakit ako nagkakaganito? 'Cause I don't simply want it. I felt humiliated.

I'm acting all tough and mighty in front of Lex and Dan and here goes Alas who will just going to act like that as if we're something!

Akala niya siguro makukuha niya ako sa mga paggan'on-gan'on niya. I want to be respected.

I inhaled sharply and picked up my sketchbook and the torn pieces. Stronzo! I will be doing these sketches again!

He squatted and tried helping me with the papers but I quickly slapped his hand away.

"Can you just go?" I sharply remarked.

His mouth went agape when he looked at me. I looked down and finished picking up my papers, trying so hard to stop the corners of my eyes from stinging.

"I'm sorry. Babe, I'm really sorry..."

I stood up, never minding my soiled uniform slacks.

"You listen to me and you better listen to me good. Hindi ako grand prize na pwede mong ipangalandakan sa kahit kanino. Stop acting like I'm such a victorious possession which you have acquired after your goddamn race. You know why it's so hard for me to find someone like my first love? I want to be treasured for real and forever. I don't want to be valued like that of a trophy. I want my man to see my real worth as a person and as a woman."

Nanatili siyang titig sa akin. Shock and marvel reflected his grey eyes. Nilagpasan ko siya at iniwan doon.

Saan ba ako makakahanap ng tulad ni Rum sa mundong 'to?

I WAS WAITING for my g-friends at the student's park while resketching the torn pieces of paper awhile ago. May klase pa ang apat kaya mag-isa ako ngayon.

Some men from different colleges attempted in sitting in front of my bench. I let them but when they started conversing, I just told them to find someone else to kill their time and boredom with.

May umupo na naman sa tapat ko. Hinayaan ko lang. Basta ba maupo lang siya at hindi magdadaldal. He cleared his throat, I didn't mind. He cleared his throat once again but just louder this time. Padabog na binaba ko ang hawak na lapis at nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya.

"Santo cielo, if you have cough and needed to spit your phlegm out please get los- what the hell are you doing here now?!" I asked Alas.

He smiled apologetically and pushed the cup of Caramel Butterscotch milk tea towards me. I rolled my eyes and continued sketching.

Goddammit.

That's my favourite.

"I'm sorry. I am really really sorry, babe. Huwag ka nang magalit please. Hindi ko na uulitin. I'll take note of the things you don't want me to do."

I glanced at him through my peripherals. Mukha siyang kawawang bata kahit na agaw pansin iyong dragon tattoo niya sa leeg na sumusungaw sa suot niyang black denim jacket.

Ayoko sana siyang pansinin kaso ay nagsalita ulit siya sabay salikop ng mga kamay niyang may silver rings sa middle fingers at yuko ng ulo niya.

"Babe, please..."

I bit my tongue inside my mouth to hold myself from chuckling nor even smirking at his pitiful look. He got this low just to apologize. Nice.

"Why are you really doing this ha? You said you like me and I am somewhat satisfied to see how you lowly apologize right now. But still, why are you really doing this?"

"Haven't I told you already? I'm courting you. Grabe naman. Hindi mo nagets agad 'yon sa tagal kong umaaligid sa'yo?" he laughed but he stopped right away when he noticed I didn't look happy with that.

"I thought you were just naturally flirty."

"And you flirted with me?" he smirked.

"Excuse me?"

"Wala. Baka magalit ka na naman."

"Don't do it again ha. We're still not a thing and I don't really like it when someone is acting as if he owns me. I own myself and I decide who, where, and when I want to be clingy."

Alas nodded like an obedient puppy, very much unlike how I expected him with his looks.

"Promise, babe, I will remember it na," he said, imitating the conyo me.

I rolled my eyes but didn't hide the amused smirk on my face while he chuckled.

"Are you free this Saturday night?" he asked again with a smile rather than a smirk.

"Why?"

"Can I take out on a date? I promise it will be different this time. Paghahandaan ko na."

I just stared at him while thinking hard. Mommy Serena thought it's about time I started dating someone. I'm twenty but not lonely. But maybe, just maybe I should try my luck in love this time with a whole new different person.

"Pang-Christmas gift mo na lang sa akin. Please, babe..." He wore his begging puppy eyes again.

He has this side I didn't actually saw coming but it was cute.

I sighed and took the milk tea.

Maybe I should try it with him and see if we'll both work out.

"Give me back the stiletto you still have on Saturday," I told him and his smile grew wider.

I LOOKED AT myself in the full length mirror. I was wearing a Chanel coral pink chiffon fit and flare dress that's v-neck camisole type and has lace-trimmed hems. I put on a light makeup then a rose gold choker necklace from Cartier and slung on my shoulder my black rectangular coffer bag from Zara. I parted my hair at the center then low ponytailed it. I sprayed my favorite Chanel Grand Extrait on body then I'm all set.

I went out of the girl's room to go to the kitchen to say goodbye to the Charmings because Alas texted me that he was already outside the gate of the Island Overlook.

Napa-oh si Tutti na susubo na sana ng huling piraso ng chocolate cake that Snow baked for dinner. I didn't have mine because we'll be eating somewhere also and I don't wanna get full just yet. Sinubo niya na iyon at nagsalita habang puno pa ang bibig.

"Napakaganda talaga ng reyna."

Snow smiled at me then nodded in agreement to Tutti's claim. I rolled my eyes but didn't hide my smile.

Si Dean busangot ang mukha sa may lababo katabi ni Snow habang naghuhugas ng mga pinggan.

"Dean, hindi ganyan ang pagbasag ng mga pinggan," komento ni Tutti sa padabog na paghuhugas nito. She immediately received a glare from him.

"May sabon pa, love," turo ni Snow sa serving spoon na hawak nito.

Napasinghap si Dean pero ginalingan na lang ang paghuhugas. Natawa na lang ako at lumapit kay Rum na nagpupunas ng dining table.

"I'll go now. He's already waiting outside," I told him.

"He's here already? Ako na maghahatid sa'yo papuntang gate. Sandali lang," he smiled at me and quickly finished his chore.

He will be the one driving me to the gate with the Jeep Wrangler since Dean was busy with the dishes. Nahuli ko pa si Tutti na pasimpleng inilalapag sa gilid ng mga babanlawan na sanang kubyertos ni Dean ang platitong ginamit niya sa pagkain ng cake kanina. Nang mahuli iyon ni Dean ay mabilis na ngumiti si Tutti nang malapad na hindi labas ang ngipin, halatang nagpapacute sa poker face namang dishwasher. I laughed silently at that.

"Halika na, Queen," Rum called me.

I walked towards his side when he faced me and smiled.

"Parang nagdadalawang-isip na tuloy akong payagan ka, anak," he kidded, I rolled my eyes heavenwards.

"I'm already twenty, Rum. I'm old enough to be left alone on a date."

He smiled tenderly at me. The kind that I usually see on TV given by understanding mothers to their teenage daughters.

"Alas nuebe ang curfew mo."

"Rum!" I protested but he chuckled then turned serious.

"Seryoso ako, Queen. Kung hindi ka pa makakauwi ng alas nuebe, susugod na kami roon. I will have Tutti tracked your location if he brought you someplace unsafe. I have with me his contact details I've asked from you yesterday so it will be easy for her to trace your location. You know how to fight. When you know you're in danger, do not hesitate to summon your daggers," Momma Rum prepped me.

"Give me a call immediately if something bad happens-"

"Hold up right there. I know, Rum. I can perfectly remember your prep talk since this morning. No need to worry. I can handle myself. I will call, okay?"

He smiled, satisfied of my retort.

"Magsumbong ka sa akin kapag sinaktan ka ni Alas, mahal na reyna. Ipapatikim ko sa kanya ang mga suntok ni Manny," ani ng maliit na may pasuntok-suntok pa sa ere.

Bigla niyang inangat ang isang kamay sa ere habang nasa dibdib naman ang isa pa. Tapos kinaway-kaway niya 'to na parang tanga at kanta.

"Para sa'yo ang laban na 'to. Para sa'yo ang laban na 'to wre-e-eck me... yeah you, you wre-e-eck meee..." kanta niyang ginagaya si Mommy D.

Humagikhik naman si Snow na nakasandal sa braso ni Dean sa may kusina.

Nakangising napailing na lamang ako at sumunod na kay Rum sa labas at papunta sa garage. He drove me to the gate where Alas was waiting. Nagkatinginan pa silang dalawa ng ilang saglit bago nagsalita si Rum at ngumiti.

"Please take care of Queen. Huwag mo sanang pabayaang may mangyaring masama sa kanya."

Alas glanced at his side to smile at me before nodding and replying, "As long as I am here, she will be protected."

Rum waved at us goodbye before he watched us go on Alas' motorbike. Yes, I was wearing a dress while riding his Ducati but I couldn't complain more especially when I saw him in his black dress shirt and khaki trousers. His hair was even neatly combed. I was excited instead.

"Where are we going?" I asked him.

"Secret," he teased and I just rolled my eyes. Huminto kami sa isang malawak na park.

I went down from his motorbike dazed at the scenic view of the outdoor restaurant before us. Sa pagkakamangha ko ay nalimutan kong kunin ang helmet sa ulo ko. Siya pa mismo ang nagtanggal n'on pagbaba niya.

"You like it?"

On the very edge of the park was the outdoor restaurant. There were tables everywhere with lights and fairy lights around and a huge makeshift roof with its wooden foundations. There's a live band even.

"Of course, it's really nice," I turned to him and found him smiling at me.

"But where's my stiletto?" I asked him, his brows furrowed.

"You'll get it now? That won't fit in your bag, I bet."

"I'll just change my shoes. They're of the same style and color but from different brands and I'm not comfortable with it," I explained.

I really did choose the stiletto that's bearing the same look and color of the one he has. This one's from Prada and that one's from Christian Louboutin. Kinuha niya iyon mula sa compartment ng motorbike niya at ibinigay sa akin. I took the one from Prada and gave it to him to keep it inside his compartment for awhile but I lost my balance while handing it to me. Mabuti na lang at maagap siyang umalalay sa akin habang hawak ako sa beywang.

"Babe, careful," he said. Nagkatinginan kami ng ilang segundo bago ako umiwas ng tingin at umayos na ng tayo.

Pero natumba ulit ako dahil hindi ko namalayang isang paa lang pala ang may stiletto. Natatawa niyang sinalo ulit ako. Nag-init nang sabay ang ulo at pisngi ko sa katangahan ko.

Really, Queen? You forgot about that one?

What the fuck is happening to me?

"Ako na," he stated before lifting me off the ground and carrying me bridal style.

"Alas!" I hissed, he chuckled.

"I'll just bring you on that bench so that you can wear your shoes without losing your balance."

Dinala niya ako sa may bench malapit doon sa motorbike niya at pinaupo ako. He then took the stiletto I want to wear and squatted in front of me. He held my leg and gently slipped the stiletto on my foot. I was just looking at him the whole time. Although, hindi ko alam kung saan ako magfofocus, sa itsura niya ba o sa paghawak niya sa akin.

When he's done, he looked up at me and smiled. I looked away.

"After this, I will let you decide. If you run away from me, I will respect your decision and leave you alone. But if you stay, I will promise to lay all my cards on the line and risk everything for you."

Napatingin ako roon sa kanya. Nagkatitigan kami. I want to find humor in his eyes but I couldn't. He was serious then he smiled at me.

"Let's go."

He helped me up and wrapped my arm around his then we walked to the restaurant.

We ate, talked about our life, and shared some good laughs.

"Did you know-"

"Quit it, Mr. History," I cut him off before sipping on my wine. He chuckled.

"Are you still in love with your friend? He's the one who drive you to the gate, right?"

I put down my wine glass and wiped my lips with the table napkin, careful of not taking my lipstick off. It's waterproof but can still be wiped.

"I never stop loving my friend. It's just that I realized that you can still love beyond romance. He's my friend, my family, and our mother," I confessed.

"Ano bang hanap mo sa isang lalaki?"

I eyed him while I smirked teasingly, "Are you curious?"

"I just want to know so that I can be that guy," he smirked.

"I don't have a specific type. I just wanna feel valued and loved and protected. I want him to be my first and last but who am I kidding? It's a one in a million chance of finding that kind of love."

Nakatitig lang ako sa wine glass sa tapat ko. I was thinking of how I was being surrounded by that kind of love all this time. I've witnessed how Dean was loving and secretly loving Snow even with the gaps in their relationship before. I saw it in Rum's eyes how he wanted so much to take care of Tutti and how determined he was to keep her by his side forever. But when it comes to me, I don't honestly know...

There I was an empty piece of a shell
Just mindin' my own world
Without even knowin' what love and life were all about...

I looked at the live band when they started singing that song.

"Can I have this dance, babe?" Alas offered me his hand. I smiled and took it then he guided me to the dancefloor where most couples were dancing sweetly.

Then you came
You brought me out of the shell
You gave the world to me
And before I knew
There I was so in love with you

He wrapped my arms around his neck then he gently held my waist and we started swaying slowly to the romantic song.

You gave me a reason for my being
And I love what I'm feelin'
You gave me a meaning to my life
Yes, I've gone beyond existing
And it all began when I met you

Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya at ganoon din siya sa akin. His grey eyes are truly a sight to behold. Ramdam kong may kakaiba rito and I want to discover it.

I love the touch of your hair
And when I look in your eyes
I just know, I know I'm on to something good

He closed his eyes, pulled me closer, held the small of my back and leaned his forehead on mine. My heartbeat rate picked up at that simple gesture. I want this kind of warmth and simplicity.

And I'm sure, my love for you will endure
Your love will light up my world
And take all my cares away with the aching part of me

I want someone by my side too. I want someone who'll take care of me, someone who'll console me when I'm crying and someone who will tend me when I'm sulking.

You gave me a reason for my being
And I love what I'm feelin'
You gave me a meaning to my life
Yes, I've gone beyond existing
And it all began when I met you

Napadilat sa gulat si Alas when I pecked on his lips. I looked away immediately, embarrassed of what I did.

Bakit ko 'yon ginawa?!

I fucking started it!

He cupped my chin and made me face him first before he crouched to claim my lips. My heart drummed rapidly inside my chest as he gave me sweet kisses. I felt my legs melted so I wrapped my arms around his neck firmly then I closed my eyes and responded to his kisses. He bit my lip and withdrew for awhile.

"Hindi ko maipapangakong hindi kita masasaktan because pain comes with love and so as sacrifice. But I will promise you that I will never stop asking for your forgiveness if I did hurt you. I will give up everything just to keep you, my Queen," he promised before claiming my lips once again.

♦♣♥♠

"Boss, anong meron? Ngiting-ngiti tayo, ah," Joker pointed out when Alas came home that night.

Alas just smirked and placed his hand on his pocket while letting the other unbuttoned his dress shirt. He clicked his tongue when he's in front of his room and turned to Joker.

"What do girlfriends want their boyfriends to give them or to do?"

Namilog sa gulat ang mga mata ni Joker bago siya humagikhik.

"Don't tell me, boss, you're a couple now?"

Alas just smirked once again.

"Ano nga? You didn't answer my  question."

"Flowers, boss. They like flowers and chocolates!"

"But she likes Caramel Butterscotch milk tea."

"'Yon na lang, boss!"

Alas licked his lips before standing with one arm in akimbo.

"But that would be unhealthy if I always give her that."

"Just be sweet with her, boss."

"She doesn't want me to be clingy."

Joker breathed in and out, prolonging his patience with his master. Alam naman na pala nito ang lahat tungkol sa girlfriend niya kuno pero bakit nagtatanong pa ito sa kanya.

"Just love her the way you can, boss. That's the best advice."

Alas smirked and tapped Joker's shoulder and said, "Thank you so much, bro. You're always the best confidante."

Joker nodded with a huge smile and held his head high, feeling proud of himself. His loyalty always belongs to his master who saved his life.

Alas turned the knob of his door open and immediately switched on the lights.

"Fuck, Spade!" he exclaimed after finding her on his bed only in her mini chemise which strap had fallen on her shoulder, almost revealing her breast.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" he asked in annoyance.

"You haven't bed a woman for a long time now."

Napapikit sa inis si Alas at hinilot ang bridge ng ilong niya. Naalala niya bigla si Queen. Kasasagot lang nito sa kanya tapos magloloko na siya agad.

"Out," he ordered while pointing his door.

"Why don't you just join me he-"

"I said out!" his voice thundered.

"Bakit? Talaga bang nababaliw ka na sa Charming na 'yon? Tandaan mo, kalaban natin siya Alas! Mananagot ka kay Madame kapag nalaman niya  'to!"

"Do I look like I'm scared? Siya ang may kailangan sa akin, hindi ako. The fuck is with her to decide who I want to be with."

Napatayo sa galit si Spade. "So, you really have plans of... of... You are so unbelievable, Alas!"

"Out now before I ask Joker to drag you out."

Inayos ni Spade ang strap niya at nagmartsa papunta sa pinto. Bago lumabas ay binalingan niya ulit si Alas.

"I won't make her life easy. And I hope, you won't forget who you really are. Kapag nalaman niya kung ano ka, kung ano tayo, hindi rin magtatagal ang fairytale niyo," she warned smirkingly before shutting the door.

                 •|• TUTTI •|•

BLACKPINK IN YOUR area.

I've been dancing their song nonstop for an hour now while wearing my Panda onesie. I wore my Ice Bear onesie yesterday because I miss my favorite bears already. 

"Gagawa muna ako ng merienda natin," paalam ni Snow.

I quickly turned off my phone when I heard that.

"Beh, anong gagawin mo?" I asked.

"Anong gusto mo?" she smiled.

Nangingislap ang mga matang lumapit ako sa kanya.

"Parang gusto ko ng egg sandwich," ngiti ko sa kanya.

"Sige, beh."

"Uy, sama ako!" si Dean saka hinabol si Snow papuntang hagdanan at ginulat saka kinarga pa-bridal style ito. Sanaol.

Mabuti na lang at hindi naka-dress si Snow kundi romper na black floral camisole.

Dumaan si Rum sa harap ko galing sa entrance. Si Queen nasa kwarto niya nagbu-beauty rest.

"Rum, pabuhat din ako."

Noong una ay naguluhan siya pero maya-maya pa ay ngumiti na at humarap sa akin. Tumakbo naman agad ako at pumatong sa sofa. Sumunod siya, nakaharap parin sa akin.

"Tumalikod ka. Pasampa ako sa likod mo."

Akala niya siguro pa-bridal style rin ang gusto ko. Gusto kong magpiggy back ride.

He chuckled but still did what I told him. He crouched a bit so that I can reach his back saka ako sumampa. Kumapit akong maigi sa leeg niya nang tumayo siya. Hinawakan niya rin ang mga binti ko nang mabuti.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" sabi ko saka hinalik-halikan siya sa pisngi na ikinahalakhak naman niya. Kinilig 'to, sure ako.

Rum told me yesterday about his intent on visiting Dahlia's grave today. He even asked me to join him so I agreed smilingly. Kaya pupunta kami roon mamayang hapon.

I decided to wear a maroon midi tie shoulder dress over a plain white oversized tee shirt then white sneakers and white tote bag. Pagbaba ko ng hagdan ay nashookt ako dahil naka-maroon short sleeves polo si Rum na nakatuck-in sa puting trousers niya at brown loafers. Terno kami, parang sinadya talaga.

He was surprised too when he saw me but he immediately smiled afterwards. May dala rin siyang malaking flower bouquet na ginawa ni Snow. Iaalay namin 'yon mamaya sa nitso ni Dahlia. Hinatid kami ni Dean papuntang crossing saka nagcommute lang kami ni Rum pauwing Sentosa. Pagbalik na lang daw namin sa Island Overlook kami magpapahatid kay Borres.

Pagdating namin sa Sentosa ay dumaan pa muna kami ni Rum sa may pasalubong center kasi nagutom ako. Bumili ako ng maliit na piaya at minute maid orange juice. Binilisan kong kumain kasi baka nababagot na si Rum kahihintay pero sabi niya ayos lang daw sabay ngiti sa akin.

Sumakay kami ng tricycle pagkatapos papuntang libingan. Kanina pa hawak ni Rum ang kamay ko. Binitawan niya lang nang magbayad siya kay manong.

"Ma'am, naiwan niyo po," tawag ng isang tricycle driver sa ginang na naiwan ang pitaka niya sa tricycle.

Dali-dali niya itong nilapitan at kinuha sabay pasalamat nang todo sa driver.

"Manong, maraming salamat talaga! Kailangang-kailangan ko po ito ngayon! Maraming salamat! Napakarangal niyo po."

"Anong marangal sa pagiging tricycle driver?" tawa ng baklang nagso-softdrinks sa tapat ng isang tindahan sa may gilid namin kasama ng mga kabarkada niya.

Natigilan ang tricycle driver dahil sigurado akong narinig niya 'yon. That must have hurt him.

"Oh, kayo, mag-aaral tayong mabuti para hindi tayo magaya sa kanya. Dapat successful tayo," dagdag niya pang sabi sa mga kabarkada niyang sa tingin ko ay nasa katorse anyos pa lang.

Our society failed big time in educating the youth. They measure success based on one's job description instead of teaching them the value of hardwork, honesty, and integrity in everything they are doing.

"Manong!" tawag ko kay manong driver.

I raised my hand and made a thumbs up sign.

"Good job po kayo. Saludo po ako sa inyo!" sabi ko pa sabay saludo sa kanya.

He smiled at me and nodded. Pati iyong ginang ay napangiti rin. Napangiti ako nang higpitan ni Rum ang hawak sa kamay ko sabay angat n'on saka halik.

"When will you stop doing that?"

"Ha?" naguguluhan kong tanong sa kanya habang nakatunghay sa magandang mukha niya at asul na mga mata.

He let go of my hand to put a strand of my hair at the back of my ear. He leaned in and whispered, "You're making me fall for you more every single day."

Kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran kasi heto na naman siya. Natawa lang siya at hinawakan ulit ako sa kamay saka namin nilakad ang daan patungo sa nitso ni Dahlia.

I looked at him when he stopped walking and stared with wide eyes somewhere. I followed his gaze and found out that it was directed towards the women standing in front of the tomb.

Humangin nang malakas kaya sinikop ng babaeng may mahaba at maitim na buhok ang buhok niya sa gilid. It revealed her side profile which shocked me to my very core.

Napabaling ulit ako sa gulat paring si Rum sa nakikita namin. I drifted my eyes in front again. The older woman called the lady who nodded smilingly and tailed her as they walked away from there, from us.

Ako na mismo ang bumitiw sa pagkakahawak ni Rum sa akin. He turned to me and I smiled at him even if it hurts me.

"Kamukha ni Dahlia 'yon, di ba? Alam ko gaya ko ay nagtataka ka rin. Sige na, habulin mo na siya, Rum. Baka makawala pa siya ulit sa'yo," I encouraged him.

Muli niyang inabot ang kamay ko at hinawakan iyon nang mas mahigpit pa sa pagkakataong iyon.

"Mas natatakot akong mawala ka ulit, doll."

A foreign yet familiar feeling also stirred inside of me. I never felt wanted before with anybody else. Kay Rum lang talaga.

"Let's go together and ask her then," I told him, he nodded.

Nilapitan namin ang dalawang babae at tinawag. Mas lalong nagulat si Rum nang lumingon sa amin ang babaeng may mahabang buhok.

She really looks like Dahlia.

"Anong kailan niyo?" tanong ng ginang na kasama nito.

"Dahlia ba ang pangalan mo?" I asked the lady.

Naguguluhan siyang tumango sa akin.

"Sino po sila?" she asked. Nagulat ako roon.

Dahlia ang pangalan niya pero hindi niya matandaan si Rum.

"Pwede ko ba kayong makausap?" tanong ng ginang sa amin.

Tumango naman kami kaya iginiya niya kami sa may di kalayuan.

"Kung kakilala niya kayo noon, nagmamakaawa ako na sana ay huwag niyo nang ungkatin ang nakaraan niya. She's been through a lot. Pagkagising niya mula sa coma noon ay nawala na lahat ng alaala niya maliban sa pangalan niya at kay Lito."

"Who are you?" tanong ni Rum.

"Ako si Celine, ang totoong nanay ni Dahlia."

"Namatay si Mang Lito sa sama ng loob tungkol sa nangyari kay Dahlia pero buhay siya at hindi niyo man lang pinaalam sa kanya, sa amin..." ani Rum ulit sa malamig na tono.

"It's for the best. Dahlia needs to recover. I don't want her living in nightmare, remembering each and every single horrible events that's happened to her."

"At what cost? Mang Lito's life? Palagiang pangongonsensya sa kaibigan ko... at..." Napapikit si Rum. Alam at saksi ako kung paano niya sisisihin ang sarili niya sa nangyari kay Dahlia.

"I'll do everything for my daughter. Nag-imbestiga rin ako sa nakaraan niya and I remember you. You were her boyfriend, former lover I mean," she corrected when she noticed our hands.

"Kung gusto mo, tutulungan kitang maalala niya pero ikaw lang ang papapasukin ko ulit sa buhay niya."

Hindi ko nagustuhan ang tono ng nanay ni Dahlia pero pinairal ko na lang ang respeto ko sa mga matatanda.

"Things are different now. My heart completely belongs to a different person now and I want to keep it that way," Rum retorted as he tightened his hold of me.

Celine smirked and looked at her daughter who was watching us with confusion written all over her face.

"Your loss then," she remarked before turning her back on us.

Nagtanong si Dahlia kung sino kami pero inilingan lang siya ng ina saka nila tinungo ang limousine na nakaparada sa malapit.

Rum hugged me by the arm and kissed my temples gently.

♦♣♥♠

Tatawa-tawa si Alas habang hinahagis ni Madame ang lahat ng mga gamit sa paligid nila.

"Hanggang galos lang ba talaga ang kaya niyong gawin sa kanila?!"

"Leave the bad bitch to me and I'll give her to you headless."

Kaagad na sinipat ni Alas ang nagtaas ng kilay na si Spade.

"You have to step up your game!" Madame pointed them.

The double doors of the lobby opened and Heart went inside with an invitation clipped in between her middle and index fingers.

"I've already sent them the invitation to a very special wedding," she stated then tossed the letter towards Joker who reads it.

"A ghost wedding?" he asked.

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